Malé, Maldives – President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has reaffirmed the Maldives’ enduring friendship with China, highlighting the deep bonds of cooperation and mutual respect between the two nations. He made the remarks at a special reception held in Malé on Monday evening to commemorate the 76th National Day of the People’s Republic of China.

Addressing the gathering, which was attended by Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef, Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives Kong Xianhua, cabinet ministers, parliamentarians, and distinguished guests, President Muizzu extended warm congratulations on behalf of the Maldivian people to President Xi Jinping, the Chinese government, and the people of China.

“The First of October is more than a date in history. It is the embodiment of a nation’s rebirth and a testament to how the determination of a people can transform destiny,” President Muizzu said, lauding China’s achievements over the past 75 years—from eradicating extreme poverty to advances in science, technology, and infrastructure.

Reflecting on the Maldives–China relationship, President Muizzu described the partnership as one that extends beyond agreements and projects, rooted in “memories, shared journeys, and the trust that comes with genuine friendship.” He recalled his own experiences in China with “warmth and admiration,” noting that the bilateral relationship is not measured only in “steel and stone” but in the respect and solidarity between peoples.

He highlighted visible symbols of the friendship in Malé, including housing projects, bridges, and education opportunities, while also emphasizing the role of Chinese visitors in strengthening people-to-people connections through tourism.

President Muizzu also praised China’s support for the Maldives and other small island states in global discussions on climate change, sustainability, and resilience. “We value China’s commitment to multilateralism, its voice in championing the rights of developing nations, and its willingness to walk beside us as we shape a world where no country, however small, is left behind,” he said.

Concluding his remarks, the President expressed confidence that Maldives–China ties will continue to flourish across politics, trade, culture, education, and sustainable development. “May the red flag of China continue to rise with pride and purpose… and may the friendship between the Maldives and China remain as constant as the ocean that unites us,” he said.

The reception, hosted by the Embassy of China in the Maldives, celebrated the close ties between the two nations as they continue to deepen cooperation and shared aspirations for peace, progress, and prosperity.