Three Maldivian cabinet ministers, led by top diplomat Moosa Zameer, are currently in China to discuss ongoing and upcoming projects with key Chinese firms. The delegation, which includes Finance Minister Dr. Mohamed Shafeeq and Infrastructure Minister Dr. Abdulla Muththalib, is on a four-day visit aimed at strengthening ties and fostering collaboration with China Tianying Inc., China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC), and China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC).
During their meeting with China Tianying, the ministers discussed progress in waste management and urban services projects, emphasising sustainable development initiatives for the Maldives. “We also discussed further collaborations and potential investments in the renewable energy sector,” Zameer noted in a post on X.
In discussions with CMEC, the focus was on advancing collaborations on the Rasmale’ and Gulhi Falhu projects, which are significant for the Maldives’ infrastructure development. The meeting with CSCEC centred on potential future collaborations in key developmental projects, which are crucial for the nation’s ongoing growth and urbanisation efforts.
This visit follows Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu’s first state visit to China in January, shortly after taking office in November. President Muizzu’s administration has seen a shift in diplomatic relations, particularly with India. Tensions between the Maldives and India have escalated since Muizzu’s government took office, highlighted by critical comments from Maldivian deputy ministers about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s promotional video of Lakshadweep. This led to a series of back-and-forth taunts between the two nations and a significant decline in Indian tourist arrivals to the Maldives, with some high-profile Indians and tour agencies initiating a boycott.
The diplomatic strain with India contrasts with the strengthening ties with China, as evidenced by the high-level meetings and ongoing project collaborations. The Maldivian government is keen to attract Chinese investments and expertise to bolster its development projects, particularly in infrastructure and renewable energy.
The outcomes of these meetings are expected to further solidify the Maldives’ partnership with China and potentially pave the way for increased Chinese investment in the island nation’s development projects. As the Maldives navigates its diplomatic relationships, the government’s focus remains on sustainable development and economic growth through strategic international collaborations.
