The Government of China has provided USD 2.8 million in assistance to support the Maldives’ recovery efforts following the fire that severely damaged three ministry buildings in Malé City on 12 December last year.
The grant was formally handed over on Thursday at a ceremony attended by Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives, Kong Xianhua, and Minister of Finance and Planning Moosa Zameer, who accepted the aid on behalf of the Maldivian government. The package includes office furniture and equipment to replace items destroyed in the blaze.
Minister Zameer said the assistance will help restore essential government functions that were disrupted by the incident. He described the donation as a strong demonstration of the enduring ties between the Maldives and China.
He added that relations between the two nations have deepened further following President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s recent state visits to China and his meeting with President Xi Jinping, which he said strengthened mutual trust and broadened the areas of cooperation.
During the ceremony, Minister Zameer expressed the Maldives’ gratitude for China’s continued support and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing bilateral relations for shared progress.
The fire-damaged building previously accommodated the Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure and the Ministry of Housing, Land and Urban Development, while the adjacent Ministry of Climate Change and Environment also sustained damage. Until repairs are completed, administrative services for the affected ministries are being carried out at Dharubaaruge.
