Maldives hails 'robust' relations with China

Rasheed is currently dedicated to promoting China-Maldives relations through youth exchanges via the CMCA.

Rasheed was the first Maldivian diplomat to graduate from a Chinese university and the first person from the Maldives to study Chinese.

"In 1971 when I was 17 years old, I went to China's Taiwan for my tertiary education," Rasheed said. "I always wanted to learn a language that no other Maldivian has studied", while also pursuing a professional course in rehabilitation medicine.

Rasheed made his first visit to Beijing in 1987 and has visited the Chinese mainland more than 80 times since then. "This year, I have spent more time in China than (in) the Maldives", making seven visits in a year to date, he said, adding: "I cherish every day of my life that I spent in China."

vivienxu@chinadailyapac.com