The government of China has provided USD 2.8 million to support recovery efforts following the fire that severely damaged three ministry buildings in Malé City on 12 December last year.

At a ceremony held on Thursday, Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives Kong Xianhua handed over the assistance to the Government, and Minister of Finance and Planning Moosa Zameer accepted the grant on behalf of the Maldives. The aid package includes office equipment and furniture to replace items damaged in the fire.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Zameer said the assistance will play a key role in helping the Government resume essential operations affected by the incident. He added that the support reflects the strong and longstanding partnership between the Maldives and China.

The Minister also noted the strong cooperation between the two countries and said that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s recent visits to China, along with his meeting with President Xi Jinping, has strengthened mutual trust and further expanded bilateral relations.

He expressed gratitude to the Chinese government and reaffirmed the Maldives’ commitment to further enhancing ties for the mutual benefit of both nations.

The damaged building previously housed the Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure and the Ministry of Housing, Land and Urban Development. The adjacent Ministry of Climate Change and Environment also sustained damage. Administrative services of the affected ministries are currently being carried out from Dharubaaruge.