Implementation agreement inked on technical assistance for follow-up maintenance of China-Maldives Friendship Bridge

On March 20, 2024, Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives Wang Lixin and Maldivian Minister of Construction and Infrastructure Abdulla Muththalib signed an implementation agreement on technical assistance for follow-up maintenance of the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge.

Wang said that the bridge, as a signature project of the Belt and Road cooperation between China and the Maldives, has a transformative impact on the economic and social development and people's lives in the Maldives. Noting that Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu's recent visit to China led to the elevation of bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation, she said that China is ready to join hands with the Maldives and to take the president's successful visit to China as an opportunity to promote more pragmatic bilateral cooperation to benefit the two countries' people in a broader way.

The Maldivian side said that the bridge is a milestone China-aid project that has greatly facilitated people's transportation in Malé. They raised the hope of further cooperation with China in infrastructure construction.

Also attending the signing ceremony were officials from China's Ministry of Commerce and the Maldivian Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure and Foreign Ministry.