The government of China has compiled a detailed list of most needed items in assisting Maldives to combat COVID-19. The list was worked out at a meeting between Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldvies Abdulla Shahid and Ambassador of China to Maldives Zhang Lizhong. Neither the ministry nor the embassy has shared the details of the list.
Speaking at the meeting, Minister Shahid discussed the successful measures China has taken to contain COVID-19 and thanked the prompt assistance from China during times of need. Ambassador Lizhong expressed gratitude for the sympathy and support from the people of Maldives to China in the difficult time it had experienced. Highlighting China is using new technology and machinery in the fight against COVID-19, the ambassador discussed the assistance Maldives currently requires.
As the virus has been contained in China, the Chinese government has been working to support countries where the pandemic is most severe. Chinese medical professionals have traveled to Italy and Iran to assist the two countries. Ambassador Lizhong assured all countries which require assistance from China will be welcomed.
Currently, Italy has impacted most after China and as a precautionary measure, the country has closed entry and exits temporarily. World Health Organisation (WHO) has also declared COVID-19 a global pandemic.
Maldives is amongst the first countries to support China after the virus broke out in the Wuhan City in Hubei Province. For the continued support Maldives receives from China, the government donated 1 million canned tuna tins to China on behalf of the people.