Ambassador Wang Lixin donates streetlights to Male' city on behalf of the Chinese Embassy

On September 19, a ceremony to donate 3,000 street lamps to Male' City was held at Male' City Media Centre by the Chinese Embassy in Maldives. Ambassador Wang Lixin and Male' Mayor Dr. Mohamed Muizzu attended the ceremony and delivered speeches. The two sides signed the street light handover certificate and witnessed the installation of the first street light on site. Dr Hamid, Secretary for Multilateral Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives, attended the event.

Ambassador Wang said that she was honoured to donate 3,000 LED streetlights to Male' on behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Maldives, which is both a symbol of the traditional friendship between China and Maldives and an important celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Maldives. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1972, the two countries have always respected each other, treated each other on an equal footing, and provided mutual understanding and support on issues of core interests and major concerns to each other. China-Maldives relations have become a model of friendly relations and mutual benefit between the two countries.

Ambassador Wang stressed that as the capital city, Male' has played an important role in the history of China-Maldives relations. In 2014, President Xi Jinping paid a historic state visit to the Maldives, and the two sides decided to build a comprehensive friendship and partnership for the future, which elevated China-Maldives relations to a new level. The Maldivian side decided to participate in the "One Belt, One Road" project. Earlier this year, Wang Yi, State Councillor and Foreign Minister, made a successful visit to the Maldives, which was fruitful and opened a new chapter in China-Maldives relations. Whether it was the fresh water crisis in Male' or the fight against the Covid-19 epidemic, the Chinese government and people stood together with the Maldivian people to help each other and overcome the difficulties together. Secondly, Male' is the biggest beneficiary of China-Maldives practical cooperation, especially the "One Belt, One Road" project. Last month, we celebrated the fourth anniversary of the opening of the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge. People in Male' have been tweeting about the transformative changes the bridge has brought to their daily lives. In addition, Chinese companies have so far built more than 10,000 social housing units for Male', helping thousands of Male' families to improve their living conditions. The fifth power station and the first phase of the ring-grid project built by the Chinese side provide 80% of the electricity supply to Male'. The Vilana International Airport renovation and expansion project will further promote the development of the Maldivian tourism industry. The practical cooperation between China and Maldives has brought tangible benefits to the city of Male' and its citizens. Finally, the City of Male' is also a contributor to China-Maldives friendship. Male' has now formed friendship cities with Suzhou City, Shenzhen City and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China, becoming a new window for people-to-people and cultural exchanges between the two countries. We believe that Male' will play an even more important role in the development of China-Maldives relations in the future.

Ambassador Wang concluded by emphasising that China will continue to support Maldives in accelerating its economic and social development. As State Councillor Wang Yi said, it has been proved that the joint construction of the Maritime Silk Road between China and Maldives is in line with the common interests of the two peoples, and we are jointly walking a road of hope, prosperity and happiness. We hope that the streetlights donated by China will not only make Male' city brighter and more beautiful, but also illuminate the road to happiness for Male' citizens.

Dr. Mohamed Muizzu expressed his heartfelt thanks to the Chinese Embassy for donating the streetlights and said that China has always developed Maldives-China friendship and cooperation on the basis of equal treatment and mutual respect, and has long been committed to implementing cooperation projects in Maldives that directly benefit the people. The generous donation of 3,000 street lights not only further enriches the list of China's aid to Maldives, but will also make the streets of Male' brighter, safer and more convenient for citizens to travel, thus further improving the daily life of Male' citizens. China's tremendous contribution to the economic and social development of Maldives will continue to enhance the strong friendship between the two peoples. As this year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Maldives and China, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to the Chinese Government and the friendly people of China, and wish for the further development of friendly and cooperative relations between China and Maldives.

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