Your Excellency Dr Mohamed Waheed,
Your Excellency Ms Dunya Maumoon,
Honourable Ministers, MPs, High Commissioners,
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is my distinct honour to welcome all of you to my Vin d’Honneur and the reception in celebration of Chinese New Year.
Tonight we are celebrating a few new things.
First, new ambassador, new friendship.
Since my arrival here, I have met with friends from all sectors.
In such a short time, I have been impressed not only by the natural beauty and the sunny side of Maldives, but also by the warmth, hospitality and sincerity of the people of Maldives.
Though I am still a new face, I am confident that I will continue to make new friends and get more support from all of you.
Second, new year, new developments.
In just a couple of days, it will be the Chinese New Year of Horse.
In Chinese, the name of Maldives begins with “马”, which also means horse.
The Year of Horse means developments and achievements.
So I would like to brief you with some new developments in our bilateral relations.
Not long ago, the Chinese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs had made a successful visit to Maldives and co-hosted the 5th China Maldives Diplomatic Consultation.
During his visit, we have opened the new Embassy building.
We have since then started visa service for free to Maldivians.
We have also donated computers and printers to restore the fire damaged Dhiffushi School.
Looking into the future, we will launch the Phase Two Housing Project with 1,500 housing units across Maldives.
We will implement the Linkage Road Project in Laamu Atoll.
We will work with the Maldivian side on how to make best use of Chinese grant aid and concessional loans to further benefit the economic and social development of Maldives.
In addition, I am happy to announce that last year alone, the total number of Chinese tourists to Maldives is estimated to be 330, 000, with an annual increase of 45%. This has also made China the largest tourism market for Maldives consecutively for the 4th year.
With such a rapid growth, and with our ever growing mutual understanding and friendship, I believe such number will continue to increase.
Third, new policies, new opportunities.
Last year, China had a Conference on the Diplomatic Work with Neighbouring Countries.
Last week, Maldives has also launched its new foreign policy.
Perhaps it is no surprise that the policies of our two countries share a lot in common:
China has highlighted the concepts of friendship, sincerity, benefit and inclusiveness in developing relations with neighbouring countries.
Maldives has also emphasized on sovereign equality, inclusive international system and friendship based on mutual respect.
China will make its development benefit more neighbouring countries like Maldives.
Maldives will also focus on economic advancement and resilience.
Therefore, with new policies corresponding to each other, there will be more common interests and new opportunities ahead for the exchanges and cooperation between our two countries.
Ladies and gentlemen, may I propose a toast to the Chinese New Year, to our new opportunities and developments, and to the ever-lasting friendship between China and Maldives!
Thank you.
