Foreign ministers from China and Maldives on Friday agreed to
deepen traditional friendship and enhance cooperation of mutual
benefits.
The China-Maldives relations have witnessed sound growth since
the two nations established diplomatic ties in 1972, said Chinese
Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi during a meeting with his Maldives
counterpart Ahmed Shaheed.
The China-Maldives relationship has set a good example for the
relationship between big and small nations in terms of equality,
sincere cooperation and harmonious coexistence, Yang said.
Yang thanked the Maldivian government's firm support of China on
the Taiwan, Tibet and human rights issues, adding China will be "a
good neighbour, friend and partner" of Maldives.
Based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence, China is
willing to join hands with Maldives to deepen traditional friendly
relations, Yang said.
Echoing Yang's views, Shaheed expressed his thanks for Chinese
government's large quantities of assistance to Maldives, which has
played an active role in the country's economic and social
development.
Shaheed reiterated the Maldivian government's adherence to the
one-China policy, saying based on the UN Charter Maldives will push
forward its friendly cooperation with China.
After the talks, the two ministers signed an agreement on
further cooperation between China and Maldives in economy and
technology.
(Xinhua News Agency July 7, 2007)
