Maldives’ Parliament Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla has reaffirmed the Maldives’ unwavering commitment to supporting China’s initiatives aimed at maintaining global peace and promoting sustainable development.
This pledge was made during Speaker Abdul Raheem’s participation in the commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the National People’s Congress’s (NPC) affiliation with the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the opening ceremony of the Interregional Seminar on the Achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Parliaments of Developing Countries, held on Tuesday.
Ahead of the formal ceremonies, Speaker Abdul Raheem attended a special meeting alongside parliamentary speakers from participating countries, the President of the IPU, and the Chairperson of the Standing Committee of the NPC of China. During this gathering, the Speaker extended his congratulations to China on the 40th anniversary of the NPC’s affiliation with the IPU, recognising it as a testament to China’s enduring contributions to global democracy and governance.
Reflecting on the longstanding and significant relationship between the Maldives and China, Speaker Abdul Raheem reiterated the Maldives’ support for the One-China Policy and commended China’s leadership in international affairs. He emphasised that the Maldives is committed to backing China’s efforts in maintaining global peace and fostering sustainable development.
“The Maldives has a close relationship with China, dating back to the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1972. In recent years, the Belt and Road Initiative has further strengthened our ties. Projects like the Sinamalé Bridge and the expansion of Velana International Airport stand as symbols of our friendship and cooperation,” stated the Speaker.
He also highlighted the success of Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s state visit to China earlier this year, made at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. The Speaker underscored President Muizzu’s goal of maintaining a “Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation Partnership” with China to further enhance the robust relations between the two nations.
On the sidelines of the seminar, Speaker Abdul Raheem engaged in discussions with the President and Secretary-General of the IPU, exploring avenues for further collaboration.
Speaker Abdul Raheem is accompanied on this visit by Baarah MP Ibrahim Shujau, Vilimalé MP Mohamed Ismail, Hulhudhoo MP Mohamed Shahid, and the Parliament’s Secretary-General, Fathimath Niusha. The visit marks yet another step in the ongoing efforts to strengthen diplomatic and parliamentary ties between the Maldives and China.
