Maldivian President Yameen Abdul Gayoom addresses the reception.

On Wednesday, the President of Maldives started his state visit to China. Shortly after arriving in Beijing, the president attended a reception to celebrate 45 years of relations with China. The time-tested friendship between the world’s second largest economy and the small country highlights China’s commitment to treating all countries equally and the benefits of win-win cooperation.

“Forty-five years ago, one of the smallest members of the global community signed an agreement with one of the world’s biggest to establish bilateral relations based on mutual trust, aspiration toward common development, and respect,” Maldivian President Yameen Abdul Gayoom said at the reception.

He said that his country’s relationship with China stands as an example of how a balanced bilateral partnership can be created, maintained, and improved. “Despite the obvious difference in size and economic strength our relationship has flourished,” adding that all countries are equal if there is mutual respect, trust, and a willingness to focus on win-win development.

His comments reflect the thinking of Chinese President Xi Jinping and others that a new type of international relations centered on win-win cooperation rather than selfish competition is needed, so that countries of all sizes can participate in and benefit more from global economic development.

The Maldivian president also offered congratulations on the successful conclusion of the 19th CPC National Congress. “The National Congress has indeed cemented President Xi Jinping’s vision for the development of China with strong commitment to win-win international partnerships. He added that with Xi as core of the Party, China’s path to prosperity is all but guaranteed. “China is on the right path,” he said.

Mutually beneficial, win-win relationship

Hailing China as Maldives’ closest development and commercial partner, the Maldivian president expressed happiness about China’s contributions to its development, pointing to the construction of the Male-Hulhule Friendship Bridge and a new runway at Velana International Airport as examples of win-win cooperation. “When these two projects are completed in 2018, they will stand as visible symbols of the everlasting friendship between our two countries,” he said.

Shen Yueyue, vice-chairperson of the NPC Standing Committee, also attended the reception on Wednesday. In her speech, she said that the China-Maldives friendship is poised for smooth sailing and will ride the waves of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, the watery part of the broader Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to connect Asia to Europe, Africa, and beyond with infrastructure projects. China regards Maldives as an important partner in Belt and Road construction.

During his meeting with Xi Jinping on Thursday, the two presidents witnessed the signing of 12 agreements, including a memorandum of understanding on Belt and Road construction and a win-win free-trade agreement that will benefit the fishing and tourism industries in the tropical nation and strengthen the bilateral relationship.

“Maldives is willing to deepen friendship and consolidate bilateral cooperation on infrastructure construction and in areas important to people’s livelihood,” the Maldivian president said during his visit with Xi, Xinhua News Agency reported, adding that his country looks forward to seeing China play a bigger role in international affairs and is ready to enhance coordination with China.