Vice President Highlights China’s Role in Maldives Development

Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef has reaffirmed the Maldives’ commitment to sustainable development, international cooperation and stronger partnerships among developing countries, while highlighting China’s contribution to the Maldives’ national development.

Vice President Latheef made the remarks while addressing the high-level meeting of the Global Development Initiative (GDI), titled “Recommit to Our Original Aspirations, United to Build a Brighter Future of Global Development.”

The meeting was convened by the Government of the People’s Republic of China and attended by Vice President of China Han Zheng and United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, among other senior officials.

In his address, Vice President thanked China for convening the meeting and for its continued efforts to advance the Global Development Initiative.

He said the Maldives, as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), remains firmly committed to sustainable development, international cooperation and solidarity.

The Vice President welcomed initiatives aimed at supporting the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and helping developing countries address ongoing development challenges.

In this regard, he said the Maldives attaches significant importance to China’s commitment to the Global Development Initiative.

Vice President highlighted the Maldives’ longstanding development partnership with China and its contribution to the country’s national development.

He said major infrastructure projects implemented through the partnership have strengthened national connectivity and supported socioeconomic development.

He also highlighted cooperation in human resource development and capacity building, saying such initiatives have contributed to strengthening Maldivian professionals and institutions.

“The Maldives-China partnership shows how mutual respect and cooperation can advance national interests and sustainable development,” Vice President said.

He stressed that such partnerships remain particularly important as developing countries continue to face complex economic and environmental challenges.

Vice President said ongoing development challenges continue to limit progress in many developing countries.

He specifically highlighted unsustainable debt as a major concern, saying it undermines development and reduces countries’ capacity to invest in resilience.

He said the Maldives would continue to support practical approaches that promote sustainable development and strengthen long-term resilience.

The Vice President also stressed the particular vulnerability of Small Island Developing States to climate change, noting that climate-related challenges threaten development gains and future progress.

He called for the upcoming COP31 to deliver on existing commitments and translate them into meaningful climate action.

Addressing emerging technologies, Vice President said new challenges also present opportunities for developing countries.

He identified science, technology and innovation, including artificial intelligence, as important tools that can contribute to sustainable development.

He called for stronger international cooperation in capacity building, technology transfer and knowledge sharing so that developing countries can benefit from technological advances.

Vice President concluded by reaffirming the Maldives’ commitment to advancing the objectives of the Global Development Initiative.

He called for stronger cooperation and partnerships among developing countries to build a more inclusive, resilient and sustainable future.