Chinese FM makes surprise visit to Maldives, meets president

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made a surprise visit to the Maldives, during which he held talks with President Mohamed Muizzu and discussed the state of bilateral relations, amid Male’s recent warming up to India.

Wang, who is also a member of the powerful Political Bureau of the Communist Party, met Muizzu during his stopover in Male on Friday while on his way back from a tour, official media reported.

This was the first major visit by a Chinese official to Maldives after Muizzu visited China in January last year, months after his election. In his meeting with Wang, Muizzu stressed the importance of fast-tracking key infrastructure projects outlined in the agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) between the two countries, Maldives media reported.

He emphasised the need to prioritise social housing and road development projects, which are among the most urgent requirements for the Maldivian people, and referred to China’s commitments in this regard.