On the morning of January 11, 2024, Premier Li Qiang of the State Council met at the Great Hall of the People with President of the Maldives Mohamed Muizzu, who is in China for a state visit.

Li Qiang said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China and the Maldives have always respected and treated each other as equals and firmly supported each other on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns. Bilateral economic and trade cooperation has become increasingly close, which has enhanced the well-being of the two peoples. President Xi Jinping and Mr. President Mohamed Muizzu jointly announced the elevation of China-Maldives relations to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership on Wednesday, which opens a new chapter in bilateral relations. China is willing to work with the Maldives to follow the important strategic guidance of the two heads of state, carry forward the traditional friendship, deepen political mutual trust, intensify friendly exchanges at all levels, strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, and constantly enrich the China-Maldives comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

Li Qiang pointed out that China is ready to further synergize its development strategies with the Maldives, take high-quality Belt and Road cooperation as a guide, continue to expand the breadth and depth of practical cooperation, and actively explore cooperation in industrial parks, the digital economy, marine fishery, green and low-carbon development, and other fields. The two sides should further strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges in education, sports, tourism, and other fields to cement popular support for China-Maldives friendship.

Mohamed Muizzu said that the visit to China is his first state visit since taking office. The Maldives firmly adheres to the one-China policy, stands firmly with China, and firmly supports high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping. The Maldives appreciates China's long-term support for its economic and social development and is willing to deepen cooperation with China in the fields of economy and trade, the digital economy, the blue economy, and green development, and strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges in areas such as tourism, achieving mutual benefit, win-win results and common development.

Wu Zhenglong was present at the meeting.