On 15th December 2014, the Chinese Ambassador to Maldives H.E. Mr. Wang Fukang and the President of Maldives H.E. Mr. Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom travelled together to Laamu Atoll, to lay the foundation of the Link Road project of Laamu Atoll under Chinese government assistance. The stone laying ceremony was attended by the leader of MDA, Mr. Ahmed Siyam, the Deputy leader of PPM and Fonadhoo MP Mr. Abdulla Abdul Raheem, the Deputy leader of PPM and the Minister of Tourism Mr. Ahmed Adheeb, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Mr. Mohamed Muizzu, Minister of Environment and Energy Mr. Thoriq Ibrahim, and other important government officials.
Firstly, the Parliament Member for Fonadhoo Mr. Abdulla Abdul Raheem addressed the gathering, and expressed that the aided construction of the Laamu Atoll Link Road has realized the dream of residents for many years, and that this project would be more conductive to the economic and social development of Laamu Atoll, making life more convenient for the residents. He said that the people of Laamu Atoll are grateful to the Chinese government for the assistance.
Thereafter, Minister Muizzu and Minister Adheeb addressed the meeting. The two ministers highly praised China for the importance attached to implement this project, and expressed that the government and people of Maldives are awaiting the day to ride on the Link Road, laying the foundation for the development of the region.
After that, the chairman of Chinese contractor for the construction project-Jiangsu Transportation Engineering Group, Mr. Wan Xichun, and the party committee secretary for the project designer-the CCCC Highway Consultants, Mr. Jiang Zhixin also addressed the gathering, promising the people that the project would be completed as per schedule and that there would be quality assurance.
Next, Ambassador Wang addressed the meeting. Ambassador expressed that from the project proposal to feasibility study and up until its operation, the Laamu Atoll Link Road project has had care and attention of leaders from both sides throughout. This project is not only a testimony of friendly bilateral relations and the deep friendship between the people of China and Maldives, but also a new achievement between both countries under the framework of 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. “I believe that after completion, this would become a real road of cooperation, development and friendship.
In his speech, President Abdulla Yameen stated that the Maldivian government is taking a series of measures to revive social economic development, and that the China-aided Link Road construction is in agreement with this government policy, which would enable the development of Laamu Atoll and the entire Maldives; China is a trustworthy friend of Maldives, Maldives values the friendly cooperation with China, and hopes that Maldives-China cooperation would bring more blessings to both peoples.
Finally, President Yameen and Ambassador Wang jointly laid the foundation for the Laamu Atoll Link Road project. A Chinese firework display was organized by the local authority, after which a "langili" dance was performed by the locals to express their gratitude to the government and people of China.
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The Laamu Atoll Link Road is located on the Southern district of Laamu atoll, and it connects 4 neighboring islands in the atolls. The main road has a length of 14.9 kilometers,with another 3 branches, all of which are two-way four lanes paved with asphalt, making it the longest highway in the Maldives.