On February 19, 2017, Assistant Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou held the 6th round of China-Maldives diplomatic consultation with Secretary for Bilateral Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ahmed Khaleel of Maldives in Male, capital of Maldives.

Kong Xuanyou expressed that under the personal concern and promotion of President Xi Jinping and President Abdulla Yameen, China-Maldives relations have entered into a new stage of rapid development in recent years. The two countries have established a future-oriented comprehensive friendly and cooperative partnership and achieved fruitful outcomes from exchanges and cooperation in various fields. China is satisfied with the positive development momentum of bilateral relations. China has been comprehensively advancing the "Belt and Road" construction, and Maldives is now implementing the economic transformation and upgrade. Both countries are facing sound opportunities to carry out all-round cooperation. This year we will together celebrate the 45th anniversary of the establishment of China-Maldives diplomatic relations. Based on the blueprint jointly confirmed by leaders of both countries on the development of China-Maldives relations, both sides should maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges, carry forward the traditional friendship and expand mutually beneficial cooperation, so as to elevate China-Maldives relations to a new stage.

Ahmed Khaleel noted that the Maldivian government and people have profound sentiment towards the Chinese government and people, and regard China as an important development partner. Maldives will unswervingly adhere to the one-China policy and continue to offer support to China on issues concerning China's core interests. The Maldivian side supports and is willing to actively participate in the "Belt and Road" construction. Maldives thanks China for providing sincere assistance to its economic and social development for many years, and is willing to take the 45th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations as an opportunity to deepen cooperation in various fields and enhance understanding and friendship between the two peoples.

Both sides unanimously agreed to reinforce bilateral exchanges and cooperation in such fields as politics, economy, trade, infrastructure, maritime affairs, tourism as well as people-to-people and cultural engagement, and also exchanged views on the plan for the commemorative activities marking the 45th anniversary of the establishment of China-Maldives diplomatic relations as well as international and regional topics of common concern.

On the same day, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohamed Asim of Maldives met with the delegation led by Assistant Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou.