On December 24, China-Maldives Friendship Run was held by the Chinese Embassy in association with MCTCO to celebrate the 50 years of diplomatic relations between China and Maldives. Ambassador Wang Lixin, Ahmed Mahloof, Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, Foreign Secretary Ahmed Latheef , Ahmed Nareesh, Deputy Mayor of Male City, MP Mr. Ikram Hassan, Chair of Maldives-China Parliamentary Friendship Group and Mohamed Nazim, President of Maldives National Party together with over 300 runners, bike-riders and skaters participated in the event.
At 6:00 am, Ambassador Wang Lixin, Minister Mahloof and Foreign Secretary Latheef announced the beginning of the friendship run together in front of the eye-catching electric backdrop bearing “China-Maldives Friendship Run 2022” and the official logo of the 50th anniversary of China-Maldives Diplomatic Ties.
After the announcement, all the participants cheered up and could not wait to run. The bike-riders led by Minister Mahloof set out at the first place with the signal given by Ambassador Wang Lixin, Foreign Secretary Latheef. Shortly after they left, Ambassador Wang Lixin, Foreign Secretary Latheef and other VIPs led all the runners, skaters and special participants to start running.
After crossing the starting line, Ambassador Wang Lixin, Minster Mahloof, Foreign Secretary Latheef and other VIPs leading all participants headed to Sinamalé Bridge which is the significant symbol and outcome of joint construction of “Belt & Road” between China & Maldives. They run over the bridge and got a U-turn back to the starting point, and completed the full run.
The China-Maldives Friendship Bridge not only served as the main venue for the run, but also served as an important booster for the social & economic development of the Maldives, witnessed 100 million crossings and brought transformative changes to the Maldives and the life of Maldivian people. It has become a symbol of close cooperation & profound friendship between China & Maldives.
After the run, Ambassador Wang Lixin, Minister Mahloof & Foreign Secretary Latheef presented medals for each other and awarded medals for the representatives from Maldives National University, Bike Maldives, In-line Skate Association, Chinese companies, Chinese in Maldives and the special participants.
The China-Maldives Friendship Run went smoothly in warm and friendly atmosphere as well as smiles and enthusiasm of all participants, which truly reflected the longstanding friendship existing between two countries and peoples. We believe that the friendship between our two countries will echo with the beautiful sound of waves of the Indian Ocean forever.
