President Nasheed holds talks with Chinese President Hu Jintao

Official talks between the Maldives and China were held on Sunday during the President’s visit to Shanghai. The talks were held at the International Convention Centre, Shanghai. The Maldivian delegation who took part in the official talks was led by the President, while the Chinese delegation was led by President Hu Jintao.

In his statement commencing the talks President Hu Jintao said that President Nasheed’s visit was a very historic one and that it represented the importance the President attaches to the close relations between the two countries and also his strong support to Shanghai World Expo 2010.

President Hu Jintao thanked the government and the people of Maldives for the support towards China and expressed desire to expand bilateral relations for the benefit of the two peoples. He also said that more exchanges between two countries to increase mutual trust, economic and trade cooperation, people-to-people contact, and communication and coordination between two governments in issues of mutual concern needed to be brought about to further enhance the very close relations between Maldives and China.

Noting the many challenges the Maldives was facing, especially after the global economic recession, Chinese President said that China would assist the Maldives in overcoming the challenges and stated that China would provide 50 million Chinese Yuan in grant aid for the Maldives.

On climate change, President Hu Jintao said it was an equally important issue of concern for China and that China would support the Maldives in this regard.

At the talks, President Nasheed noted that China was making an important contribution to the social and economic development of the Maldives and thanked the Chinese people and government for the assistance China has been rendering to the Maldives.

Detailing the challenges faced by the Maldives, President Nasheed said Maldives faced many obstacles for development due to climate change. He said fresh water shortages and housing were among the priority areas in which Maldives was seeking assistance.

Highlighting the Maldives’ plan to become carbon neutral, President Nasheed said the Maldives could become a showcase of renewable energy and encouraged Chinese companies with renewable energy technology to invest in the Maldives.

President also congratulated China for the Shanghai World Expo.

He also briefed President Hu Jintao on 16th SAARC Summit. China is an observer country in SAARC.