Minister of Foreign Affairs Iruthisham Adam has concluded an official visit to Kunming, China, with a series of high-level engagements focused on enhancing regional cooperation, deepening bilateral relations, and exploring new avenues for collaboration between the Maldives and Yunnan Province. The visit reflected the Maldives’ continued commitment to constructive international engagement and its interest in building practical partnerships that support shared progress, connectivity, and long-term stability across the region.
During the visit, Minister Iruthisham attended the opening ceremony of the seventh China-South Asia Cooperation Forum, where she delivered the keynote address. In her remarks, she reaffirmed the Maldives’ readiness to work closely with China and other regional partners to expand cooperation, strengthen mutual understanding, and promote peace and stability in South Asia. Her address highlighted the importance of dialogue, partnership, and inclusive regional engagement in addressing common opportunities and challenges, while also underscoring the Maldives’ role as a constructive partner in advancing a peaceful and prosperous regional future.
Minister Iruthisham also attended the opening of the 10th China-South Asia Expo, one of the region’s prominent platforms for commercial exchange, investment promotion, and cross-border engagement. During her tour of the exhibition, she visited stalls operated by Maldivian vendors participating in this year’s expo. Their presence at the event reflected the growing visibility of Maldivian enterprise in international markets and the expanding opportunities available for Maldivian businesses to showcase their products, strengthen commercial networks, and engage with a wider global audience. The participation of Maldivian vendors also demonstrated the country’s broader efforts to promote trade, entrepreneurship, and international market access.
As part of her official programme, Minister Iruthisham held discussions with Governor of Yunnan Province Wang Yubo. The meeting focused on the longstanding friendly relations between the Maldives and Yunnan Province, with both sides exploring opportunities to further expand cooperation in education, sports, and people-to-people exchanges. These areas were recognised as important pillars for fostering closer understanding between communities and for creating lasting institutional and social connections that can complement broader bilateral cooperation. The discussions reflected a shared interest in translating goodwill into practical initiatives that can deliver meaningful benefits for both sides.
During the meeting, Minister Iruthisham also expressed appreciation for Yunnan Province’s continued support for the Maldives’ socio-economic development. Her remarks highlighted the value the Maldives places on partnerships that contribute to national development priorities and strengthen resilience through knowledge-sharing, capacity-building, and sustained cooperation. The acknowledgement of Yunnan’s support added further depth to the visit, illustrating the positive momentum in the Maldives’ engagement with regional partners in China.
The visit also included an engagement at Yunnan University, where Minister Iruthisham met with Maldivian students pursuing their studies in Kunming, as well as Maldivian professionals based in the province. The meeting offered an encouraging opportunity to connect with members of the Maldivian community overseas and to recognise their contributions in representing the country abroad. Minister Iruthisham commended the students for their academic progress and encouraged them to continue striving for excellence while preparing to contribute to the future development of the Maldives. Her interaction with the students and professionals reflected the government’s continued support for Maldivians living and studying overseas, and its recognition of their role in building stronger international connections.
Minister Iruthisham’s visit to Kunming demonstrated the Maldives’ active approach to diplomacy through dialogue, cooperation, and people-centred engagement. From regional forums and trade exhibitions to bilateral meetings and community outreach, the visit reinforced the Maldives’ commitment to strengthening international partnerships that support development, regional harmony, and closer ties with friendly provinces and countries. It also highlighted the growing scope of Maldives-China engagement, particularly in areas that create long-term value through education, commerce, cultural understanding, and mutual support.
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