We in China are ready to work with the Maldives- Chinese Ambassador

Ambassador of China to Maldives, Yu Hongyaohas said that China is ready to work with the Maldives to draw upon each other's strengths for the development of both our countries and a closer partnership.

Chinese Ambassador to Maldives made this remark at the reception held at Traders Hotel to Celebrate the 63rd Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China.

Ambassador Yu Hongyao said that is the first National Day Reception since China opened its embassy here in Male'. “As the first resident Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives, I'm deeply honoured, and I'm sure my colleagues at the Embassy would agree with me that it is a distinctive pleasure to have all of you with us today to share this joyful moment,” he said.

The Ambassador said that China has travelled an unusual path in the past 63 years, especially since Reform and Opening-up was introduced 33 years ago. He said that the Chinese people have, with their perseverance and ingenuity, explored a development path suited to China's national conditions.

“This has brought about historic changes in the country, fast growing social productivity, significant increase of overall national strength, visible improvement in people's livelihood, and rising international standing and influence,” he said.

Ambassador Yu Hongyao noted that China has been working with the international community in recent years to weather the global financial crisis and the European sovereign debt crisis. He said that China has contributed over 10% and 12% respectively to the growth of the world economy and international trade, making a major contribution to world economic stability and recovery by developing itself and working with international partners.

Noting the  long history of friendly exchanges between China and the Maldives, the Ambassador said that both the countries have always respected each other as equals and had good cooperation in international and regional affairs despite a huge difference in our size and population.

“Since its establishment four decades ago, our bilateral ties have moving forward steadily and smoothly, with deepening cooperation across the board and increasingly regular people-to-people exchanges. Not long ago President Waheed paid a successful visit to China, during which he attended the second China-euroasia Expo and reached a series of agreement with Chinese leaders. This has taken our relations to a new level. It is also worth mentioning that China has been the Maldives' No.1 source of tourists for two consecutive years, with the number of incoming Chinese tourists expected to still rise in future. I believe you would agree that Chinese tourists have contributed significantly to the economic development of this country. As developing countries, both China and the Maldives are faced with the challenges of economic and social development and climate change. We in China are ready to work with the Maldives to draw upon ecah other's strengths for the development of both our countries and a closer partnership,” he said.

The Chinese Ambassador also said that the 40th anniversary of China's diplomatic relations with the Maldives will be celebrated in a few weeks' time.