‫الرحيــم‬
ّ ‫الرحمـن‬
ّ ‫بســم اللّـه‬
His Excellency Mr. Wang Fukang Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Maldives,
Distinguished guests, Ladies and gentlemen,
Good Afternoon…
،‫السّــالم عليــكم ورحـمــة اللّـه وبـركاتـه‬
Maldives and China has always enjoyed a strong and vibrant relationship. With over 40 years of diplomatic
relations between Maldives and China, HEP Yameen and his government is deeply committed to enhance
this bond. The deep and resilient relations between Maldives and China are founded on mutual respect,
shared principles and values and common understanding on issues of global importance.
Today, China remains a key ally of our National Development, with the relations enhanced under the
leadership of President Yameen. China has always been an invaluable friend to Maldives and has
contributed to the economic, social and cultural development of Maldives for decades. Maldives contacts
with China go back for more than 1300 years and perhaps even further. However, these contacts were not
generally known to the Maldivian historians until recent years, when many documents from overseas
sources became available to Maldivians for research.
President Yameen has placed colossal prominence in building strong economic ties globally. The
government and people of China are historic partners in His Excellency President Yameen’s ingenious
economic agenda to improve the lives of the Maldivian people.
China is supporting several infrastructure projects across the Maldives. Delivery of the President Yameen’s
vital electoral pledges, including the China Maldives Friendship Bridge, and the development of the
country’s main international airport, are just two such highlights.
Chinese businesses, mostly state owned corporations, have recently forayed into the Maldives with
investments in areas such as the Maldives’ upmarket luxury tourism industry.
Maldives has also held its second investment forum in the Chinese capital last month. And most recently,
the Maldives Roadshow 2015 was held in Zhengzhou, recently. All these events have contributed to
cementing the deep friendship between our two countries.
The “breathtaking blue” exhibition will exhibit the Chinese Maritime Silk Road Culture which was a
conduit for trade and cultural exchange between China’s south-eastern coastal areas and foreign countries.
The exhibition will display a series of navigation tools, replicas of ships and explain the relationship
Maldives had with China.
The visible evidence of these contacts with China is indicated by the varieties of Chinese porcelain found in
the many islands of the Maldives, especially those islands lying close to the deep channels between atolls,
where ships anchored for trading and replenishing of provisions. Some of these porcelains used then are also
displayed in the National Museum of the Maldives.
There is also an important connection between the Maldives and China regarding the money cowrie, cypraea
moneta. Cowrie shells were used as money in many parts of Asia and in the ancient world. The Maldives
held the monopoly for these cowries. Some of the cowries exported from the Maldives to Bengal, were
taken to Yunnan Province in China, where they were used as money. The well-known archaeologist Mr.
John Carswell proved that there was reason to believe that Chinese traders used the Maldives during the
travels from China to Middle East.
There are also some very beautiful examples of old Chinese ceramic ware, displayed in the National
Museum of the Maldives found in various islands; The large dishes are called Seenu Thashi or Chinese dish.
Some of these items can still be found, buried in the sands of many islands.
I believe that this exhibition will demonstrate the cultural and historical relationship China had with
Maldives and further the deep friendship between our two peoples.
Let me take this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude to H.E Mr. Wang Fukang and
the Government and people of China, for their generosity and continued support to the Maldives. I have no
doubt that the traditional bonds of friendship and cooperation that we have enjoyed for decades will continue
to enhance and grow in the years to come and China continues to be a close partner of the Maldives in
diverse spheres.
Thank you
Wassalaam Alaikum Warahmathullahi Wabarakaathuh