The Maldives and China have signed a development cooperation agreement valued at USD 85 million, aimed at supporting the Maldives’ key development priorities in the coming years.

The agreement was signed this morning at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Malé. Maldives’ Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Abdulla Khaleel, signed on behalf of the Government of Maldives, while the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Maldives, Kong Xianhua, signed on behalf of the Chinese government.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Finance and Planning, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other invited guests were present at the ceremony.

Speaking at the signing, Foreign Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel described the agreement as a reflection of the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the Maldives and China.

He highlighted China’s contribution to several major development initiatives in the Maldives over the past decades, including housing projects in Hulhumalé, support to the health sector, increased tourism connectivity, and the construction of the China–Maldives Friendship Bridge.

According to the minister, funding under the new agreement will focus on three priority areas: the development of the China–Maldives Friendship Hospital in Villimalé, road development projects in Malé and Villimalé, and the construction of 50 island council buildings across the country. Dr. Khaleel expressed appreciation to the Chinese government for its continued assistance and reaffirmed the Maldives’ commitment to strengthening development cooperation with China.

Chinese Ambassador Kong Xianhua reiterated Beijing’s support for the Maldives’ development agenda, stating that China remains committed to deepening bilateral cooperation through the effective implementation of agreed projects.