Speaker of the Peoples Majlis Abdullah Shahid has yesterday inaugurated the opening of the “40th Anniversary of China-Maldives diplomatic relations” photography exhibition.
The exhibition was held to mark the significant milestones of the four decades of friendly relations between the Maldives and China.
Speaking at the ceremony held at Museum, Speaker Shahid said the Maldives has had a long relationship and diplomatic ties with China since 14 October 1972.
He noted that Maldivians who had visited China 39 years ago to the present day were some of the senior presidents, parliamentarians, ambassadors and business entrepreneurs of our country.
“Since then we have, of course, had very rich, involved and enduring relationship with Chinese nationals. There are a number of references to that relationship in the extended valuable support to our development,” he said.
He said with initiatives such as the introduction of a Maldives China Friendship group within our Parliament, the Maldives Parliament was seeking to strengthen bonds of friendship between the respective Parliaments and has begun “to engage in constructive dialogue which has helped to understand the customs, values and aspirations of the peoples of both countries.”
Further, he said that the first of the Chinese contribution to the economy of the Maldives was outstanding with the travel of Chinese visitors constituting the largest percentage of total arrivals.
Noting the important milestone in our diplomatic relations, he said “today the relationship has at the age of 40 reached maturity.”
The event was attended by Vice Chairwoman of National People’s Congress H.E Madam Chen Zhilli and members of a Chinese delegation that are currently visiting the Maldives.
The photo exhibition will be open till 23 December.