Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu is set to commence a significant five-day state visit to China on Monday, marking his initial foreign trip since assuming office last year. The visit is anticipated to witness the signing of multiple agreements across various domains, reflecting the desire to strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations.
Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to host a welcome ceremony and banquet for President Muizzu during his state visit, scheduled from January 8 to 12. This visit holds historical significance as it is Muizzu's first state visit to a foreign country since taking office in November of the previous year. The leaders will engage in talks, participate in a signing ceremony for cooperation documents, and have individual meetings with Premier Li Qiang and the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Zhao Leji.
Wang Wenbin, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, highlighted the time-honored friendship between China and the Maldives, emphasizing the mutual respect and support that have characterized the relationship over the past 52 years. The spokesperson pointed out that the two nations have served as an example of equality and mutual benefits between countries of different sizes.
Muizzu, regarded as a pro-China politician, assumed the presidency after winning the runoff against the India-friendly incumbent Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. This visit is poised to elevate the relations between China and the Maldives to a new historical starting point, building upon the deepened ties and fruitful cooperation achieved over the past decade.
The Global Times, a state-run publication, remarked in an editorial that both nations attach great importance to the visit. Anticipating cooperative agreements in politics, economy, culture, and green development, the editorial emphasized that the progress in China-Maldives relations stems from mutual respect and support, setting an example for equal and mutually beneficial cooperation between nations of varying sizes. The commentary also noted the significance of Muizzu breaking tradition by visiting China before India, highlighting the evolving dynamics in the region.
