On March 15, Chinese Embassy in Maldives held the handover ceremony of Chinese historical and cultural books to China-Maldivian Cultural Association (CMCA) and Maldives China Trade & Cultural Organisation (MCTCO). Chinese Ambassador Wang Lixin attended the ceremony and delivered the books to Mr. Ali Waheed, Vice President of CMCA and Mr. Midhuam Saud, President of MCTCO.

During the ceremony, Ambassador Wang Lixin highly appreciated CMCA and MCTCO for their enduring efforts in promoting mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples. On the important occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Maldives this year, Ambassador Wang stressed, the bilateral relations would embrace good opportunities and promising future. The successful visit of Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi to Maldives early this year unveiled the prelude to the series of commemorative events and ushered in a new chapter of China-Maldives relations. Ambassador Wang hoped that CMCA and MCTCO could actively participate in the commemorative events and play a more important role in advancing the bilateral relations. She also hoped that the donated books could help the Maldivian people better understand Chinese history, culture and more importantly, the development of contemporary China.

Mr. Ali Waheed and Mr. Midhuam Saud thanked the Embassy for donating the books, which they believed, would greatly boost their ongoing efforts in promoting friendship and cooperation between China and Maldives. They briefed the Ambassador about their efforts in promoting the people-to-people exchanges and friendship between China and Maldives in the recent years. They spoke highly of the sound development of China-Maldives relations and stayed committed to further promoting the mutual understanding between the people of the two countries. They extended warm congratulations on the fruitful achievements of China-Maldives relations over the past 50 years and expressed readiness to actively participate in and support the commemorative events.

Since establishment, both CMCA and MCTCO have made great contribution to the promotion of people-to-people friendly exchanges between China and Maldives, which greatly helped advance the bilateral relations.