APD | Maldives asserts importance of relationship with China

By APD writer Easwaran

**MALE, Jan 7 (APD) -- **The Maldives has asserted the importance of its relationship with China, especially as a devolopment partner.

Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih met with Zhang Lizhong, the Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives and officials of China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) at the President’s Office, the Maldives President's office said on Tuesday.

The discussions were focussed on potential areas of cooperation, especially in the field of infrastructural development.

At the meeting, also attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid and Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment Ahmed Mahloof, officials of CMEC shared the proposed conceptual designs of the Olympic-standard stadium to be developed in Hulhumalé in the Maldives. The concept proposed by CMEC centred around the Maldives’ natural resources and environment.

Speaking at the meeting, President Solih highlighted the vibrant bilateral relations that exist between the two countries and noted the importance of China as a development partner for the Maldives. He also emphasised China’s continued role and assistance in infrastructure development in the Maldives.

The new stadium is to be built in preparation to host the 11th Indian Ocean Island Games (IOIG) scheduled to be held in 2023.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)