Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who took oath as the new Maldives President on Saturday, has praised Maldives’ relations with China and the contributions made by Beijing to the development of the island nation over the years.

According to a release issued by the Maldivian president’s office, Solih said the Maldives “values the historic and brotherly relations with China”.

Luo Shugang, special envoy of the Chinese president who was representing Beijing at the swearing-in, met Solih at the President’s Office on Saturday. Following this meeting, Shugang assured Solih of China’s commitment to further strengthening close bilateral relations. Under former president Abdulla Yameen, Maldives enjoyed close ties with China at the cost of the country’s ‘India First’ policy. The number of Chinese infrastructure projects in the islands rose and Yameen also signed a free trade agreement with Beijing.

The China government has helped construction of the ‘China Maldives Friendship Dam’ that connects the islands of Male and Hulhule. Built at an estimated $210 million, the dam benefited from a $126 million grant given by China. However, there are fears currently that Maldives might be saddled with debt due to the China-led infrastructure development.

On Saturday, after the swearing-in ceremony, Solih had also briefed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the dire situation facing the country. The two leaders then discussed ways in which India can continue the development partnership, particularly to help the new government in meeting its pledge to the people of Maldives.

THEY SAID IT

Maldives said it values the historic and brotherly relations with China, after Luo Shugang, special envoy of the Chinese president, assured Male of China’s commitment to further strengthening close bilateral relations.