Chinese Vice Minister of Commerce, Gao Yang, has stated that the China Maldives Friendship Bridge will not only connect the two islands, but connect the two nations.
Speaking in the ceremony to unveil the design of the bridge held last night in Raalhugandu, Yang stated that the bridge was a pledge made by President Xi Jingping on his visit in 2014. He added that the speed at which the project proceeded at was not just a sign of the close relations between President Yameen and President Xi but also of the close relations between the citizens of the two nations.
Yang added that the Bridge would not just change the landscape of Male’ visually, but will facilitate economic and societal changes which will benefit the public. He noted that the Chinese Government will start the work on the project as soon as possible and assured that this work will be of high quality.
In his speech Yang highlighted on the binding ties between the two states which had occurred in spite of the many differences. He said that the ties were formed on the basis of trust and respect. He added that China always saw Maldives as a developmental partner, as well as playing a vital role in the Silk Route project.
He also noted that China did not have a cap on the level of aid they extend to Maldives in terms of local development initiatives in the past 30 years. Yang added that this partnership will exist. He thanked all the event organizers.
Bridge will promote better ties between citizens of the two countries: Gao Yang
