Maldives and China have formalised an Agreement on Development Cooperation, under which China will provide an assistance package of RMB 600 million to support key developmental projects in the Maldives.

The agreement was signed at a ceremony this morning by Dr Abdulla Khaleel, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives, and Kong Xianhua, Ambassador of China to the Maldives.

Under the agreement, Chinese support will focus on three priority projects: the development of the China–Maldives Friendship Hospital in Villimalé, the Malé–Villimalé road development project, and the construction of 50 council buildings across the country, among other initiatives.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Dr Khaleel highlighted the longstanding cooperation between the two nations, noting China’s contributions to housing developments in Hulhumalé, the health sector, tourism growth, and the China–Maldives Friendship Bridge. He expressed gratitude to President Xi Jinping and the Chinese government for their continued support and reaffirmed the Maldives’ commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.

Ambassador Kong Xianhua reiterated China’s ongoing support for the Maldives’ development efforts and pledged to continue implementing mutually agreed projects for the shared prosperity of both countries.

The ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Finance and Planning, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other distinguished guests.