Beijing, September 18th—Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), met here today with a delegation of the ruling coalition of the Maldives led by Mohamed Ameen, Senator of the People's National Congress (PNC) and Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation.

Liu said, China and the Maldives are friendly neighbors. This year marks the 10th anniversary of President Xi Jinping's historic state visit to the Maldives. Earlier this year, President Mohamed Muizzu visited China, during which the leaders of both countries upgraded China-Maldives relations to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. This has charted the course for the future development of bilateral relations. The Chinese side is ready to work with the Maldivian side to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, adhere to mutual respect, listen to the voices of the people, strengthen political dialogue, deepen practical cooperation, and jointly promote the development and prosperity of countries in the region and among the Global South countries. The CPC maintains friendly exchanges with major political parties in the Maldives, including the PNC and the Progressive Party. The Chinese side is willing to continue to deepen political dialogue with political parties in the Maldives, strengthen exchanges of experience in party and state governance, and enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples.

Ameen said, the Maldives and China have maintained long-term friendly relations. Under the personal care of the two heads of state, bilateral pragmatic cooperation has yielded fruitful results. He thanked the Chinese side for its long-term strong support for the Maldives's economic and social development, and expressed the willingness to continue to strengthen cooperation with the Chinese side in transportation, development, finance and other fields, and further facilitate trade and cultural exchanges. Ameen also welcomed more Chinese tourists to visit the Maldives. He said, the PNC is willing to work with the CPC to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, strengthen strategic communication, deepen exchanges of experience in state governance and administration, and strengthen multilateral coordination to better promote regional development.

Sun Haiyan, Vice-minister of the IDCPC, was present.