Chinese Ambassador Lizhong have stated that Foreign Minister Abdullah Shahid told him that the news report by Associated Press about the Minister is out of context and that they misquoted him.

Earlier today AP reported that while speaking to the media in Sri Lanka, Foreign Minister Abdullah Shahid stated that the government of Maldives is talking with China to restructure its debt to China. However Foreign Ministry tweeted today saying that the AP misquoted him.

The Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives Zhang Lizhong also tweeted today saying that the Foreign Minister told him that while speaking to the media, he did not make any such comments.

In addition he said that the minister told him that the Maldivian government appreciates the generous assistance from China and will work closely with China to move the relations to a new level. He said that both sides are committed to the BRI projects regardless of any external distractions.