China to help Maldives build 1,500 homes(2)

Tidbits

President draws on ancient wisdom

President Xi Jinping has used ancient Chinese sayings and poems in seven of the eight articles he published in the local media of nations he has recently visited, according to The Mirror, a newspaper in Beijing. In a quarter of the stories, he uses famous quotes and proverbs from the host nations. Gao Shumao, former Chinese ambassador to Mongolia, said Xi's references to famous quotes show his deep understanding of Chinese culture and respect for the culture of the host countries.

First lady stresses culture and children

First lady Peng Liyuan attends events mostly related to child welfare, culture and music. Among the 24 events she attended during her seven trips accompanying President Xi Jinping, nine were cultural events, seven highlighted children's care and six were related to music. Last week, she visited the Tajikistan state college of music arts. In March, she toured a musical instrument museum in Belgium and a music conservatory in Berlin.

Leader shifts govt office work hours

Maldives President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom changed the working hours for several government offices on Monday due to President Xi Jinping's official visit, local news website haveeru.com.mv reported. The President's Office said that it, along with government offices run in the Velaana building, Ghazee building, Huravee building, and the Ministry of Economic Development, would be open on Monday from 1:15 pm to 3:00 pm. The decision was made to counter any potential difficulties for citizens who require services from the President's Office and other nearby government offices.

4,000 students welcome couple

The Maldives' Education Ministry said that an estimated 4,000 Maldivian schoolchildren helped to welcome President Xi Jinping and first lady Peng Liyuan to the capital Male on Monday morning, the largest number of students to welcome a head of state to the Maldives. A ministry official said student participation is important in such national undertakings.

Scholarship boost for island nation

China is to provide more scholarships for students from the Maldives to study in China, according to a joint statement issued on Monday. China will also provide assistance to Maldivians to study the Chinese language, and continue its cooperation with the Maldives in training civil servants.

Meetings planned to safeguard tourists

China and the Maldives agreed to meet regularly to discuss the safety of Chinese tourists in the Maldives, according to a joint media statement on Monday. It said China will continue to encourage its citizens to travel to the Maldives and also encourage Chinese enterprises to invest in the tourism industry there.

　　Milestones

Oct 14, 1972:

China and the Maldives establish diplomatic relations.

Oct 24-28, 1984:

Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, then the president of the Maldives, pays a state visit to China. The two sides signed economic and technical cooperation agreements and a deal on visa exemptions.

Sept 11-13, 2006:

Gayoom makes a three-day state visit to China at the invitation of President Hu Jintao. The heads of state reached comprehensive understandings on consolidating friendship and cooperation.

Nov 8, 2011:

China establishes an embassy in Male, capital of the Maldives.

Aug 16, 2014:

Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom attends the opening ceremony of the second Summer Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, and pays a state visit to China. The two sides pledge to enhance communication and cooperation on international and regional affairs to better cope with global challenges. Yameen expresses great interest in China's initiative to build the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.