Hon. Abdul Raheem Abdulla, Speaker of the People’s Majlis, attended the commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the National People's Congress’s (NPC) affiliation to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the opening ceremony of the Interregional Seminar on the Achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Parliaments of Developing Countries.

Prior to the ceremony, a special meeting was convened with the Speakers of Parliaments from the participating countries, the President of the IPU, and the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the NPC of China. During this meeting, Speaker Abdul Raheem emphasised the enduring and significant relationship between the Maldives and China.

In his address, Speaker Abdul Raheem expressed the Maldives' support for the One-China Policy and commended China’s leadership in global affairs. He reaffirmed the Maldives' commitment to supporting China's efforts in maintaining global peace and promoting sustainable development. He also congratulated China on the 40th anniversary of the NPC’s affiliation to the IPU, recognizing it as a testament to China's longstanding contributions to global democracy and governance.

“The Maldives has a close relationship with China, dating back to the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1972. In recent years, the Belt and Road Initiative has further strengthened our ties. Projects like the Sinamalé Bridge and the expansion of Velana International Airport stand as symbols of our friendship and cooperation,” Speaker Abdul Raheem stated.

He also highlighted President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s successful state visit to China earlier this year, at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. Speaker Abdul Raheem emphasised the President’s goal of maintaining a "Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation Partnership" with China to further enhance relations between the two nations.

On the sidelines of the seminar, which runs from August 18 to 23, Speaker Abdul Raheem held discussions with the President of the IPU and the Secretary General of the IPU.

The Speaker is accompanied by a delegation that includes MP Ibrahim Shujau (Baarashu Constituency), MP Mohamed Ismail (Villimale Constituency), MP Mohamed Shahid (Hulhudhoo Constituency), and the Secretary General of the People’s Majlis, Fathimath Niusha.