Gu Shengzu, vice-chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, met Eva Abdulla, deputy speaker of the parliament of the Maldives, via video link on July 5.

Gu said China is willing to take the opportunity of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries this year to work with the Maldives to enhance pragmatic cooperation in such fields as climate change and tourism, and that China welcomes the Maldives' support for and participation in the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative.

Gu said the CPPCC National Committee looks forward to improving exchanges and cooperation with the parliament of the Maldives to boost the bilateral ties.

In the meeting, Eva said the Maldives is grateful for China’s long-term and valuable support and the Maldivian parliament is willing to strengthen cooperation with the CPPCC National Committee to push forward the development of bilateral relations.