Exclusive interview by CMG with the President of the Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu.

The president of the Maldives is on a state visit to China and this week gave an exclusive interview to the China Media Group (CMG).

In the interview, he first expressed his gratitude for the invitation from Chinese President Xi Jinping, who made him the first head of state to visit China in 2024. According to him, the invitation demonstrates the deep friendship between China and the Maldives.

According to Mohamed Muizzu, the friendship between China and the Maldives has a long history, dating back to the ancient Silk Road period. The Maldives has received a great deal of substantial support from the Chinese government since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1972. The people of the Maldives are very grateful to the Chinese government for its support over these years. He stated that cooperation between the two countries has reached a new level since the Belt and Road Initiative was proposed by President Xi Jinping ten years ago, elevating the relationship to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

In the interview, the President of the Maldives also recalled his contact with Chinese President Xi Jinping. He considers Xi Jinping a charismatic head of state who always prioritizes the interests of the people in governing the country. Mohamed Muizzu emphasized that China has achieved significant economic development under President Xi Jinping's leadership.

In the interview, the President of the Maldives also commented on the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge. He considers the bridge, built by China, a symbol of friendship between the two countries and an iconic and transformative project for the lives of the people in the Maldives. The bridge, unveiled during President Xi Jinping's visit to the Maldives ten years ago, has changed the lives of many people in the Maldives and promoted the country's economic development.

Regarding future development between the two countries, the President of the Maldives stated that the country possesses rich resources in solar and wind energy, and that China is a leader in the manufacture of solar panels and wind turbines. He is very optimistic about the new energy cooperation between the two countries and said that the Maldives has an open door for Chinese companies with extensive overseas experience to invest in renewable energy in the Maldives.