Maldives hails 'robust' relations with China

Rasheed noted that the Maldives established diplomatic relations with China in October 1972.

In 2009, China financed the largest housing project in the history of the Maldives, and the first commercial project undertaken by the Chinese in the country. Large infrastructure projects in the Maldives have been facilitated by Chinese investments, including the upgrading of Velana International Airport, and the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge.

"They are significant aspects of the cooperation between China and the Maldives," Rasheed said.

The cooperation between the two countries reached new heights particularly after the Maldives joined the Belt and Road Initiative in 2014. "Since then, China has become Maldives' largest development partner," he said.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, and Rasheed said that visionary leaders of the Communist Party of China have carried forward the great founding spirit during that time.

According to him, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative put forward by Chinese President Xi Jinping are fundamental elements for building a shared future for mankind.

"I believe those initiatives cannot be ignored by any community or country if we are to achieve global peace and stability," Rasheed said, adding: "The youth of today should be mentored to internalize the noble values in those initiatives."