Minister of Foreign Affairs, Iruthisham Adam, has departed on an official visit to the People’s Republic of China to participate in the 7th China-South Asia Cooperation Forum, which will be held in Kunming, Yunnan Province. The visit, which commenced on 10 June 2026, reflects the Maldives’ continued commitment to strengthening international engagement and deepening cooperation with key regional partners through dialogue, diplomacy and mutually beneficial collaboration.
During the visit, Minister Iruthisham is scheduled to attend the Opening Ceremony of the 7th China-South Asia Cooperation Forum, where she will deliver a keynote address. Her participation at the Forum is expected to provide an important platform to highlight the Maldives’ perspectives on regional partnership, sustainable development, connectivity and economic cooperation, while also reinforcing the country’s constructive role in advancing shared interests across Asia. The Forum brings together senior officials, policymakers and stakeholders from across the region, offering valuable opportunities to exchange views and explore avenues for stronger cooperation in areas of common priority.
Minister Iruthisham will also attend the 10th China-South Asia Expo, one of the region’s prominent international platforms for trade, investment and commercial engagement. Her presence at the Expo is expected to further enhance the Maldives’ visibility among global and regional partners and promote broader opportunities for economic partnership. The participation of the Maldives at such a significant gathering reflects the country’s interest in expanding its engagement with dynamic markets, encouraging investment partnerships and fostering closer people-to-people and institutional ties. For international audiences, the visit underscores the Maldives’ forward-looking approach to diplomacy and its readiness to engage actively in platforms that contribute to regional prosperity and long-term development.
In addition to the official forum and expo engagements, Minister Iruthisham is scheduled to meet senior officials of the Government of Yunnan Province. These discussions are expected to focus on strengthening bilateral relations and identifying practical areas of cooperation that can bring added value to both sides. Such high-level meetings remain important in sustaining diplomatic momentum and opening new channels for collaboration in sectors that support economic growth, education, development exchange and stronger institutional partnerships.
As part of the official programme, Minister Iruthisham will also meet Maldivian students studying in Yunnan. The meeting reflects the Government’s continued attention to the welfare and aspirations of Maldivians pursuing higher education abroad, while also recognising the important role of youth in contributing to national progress and international understanding. Engagements of this nature help strengthen the connection between the State and Maldivian students overseas, while encouraging academic excellence and greater international exposure among the next generation.
Minister Iruthisham is accompanied on the visit by Additional Secretary, Amin Javed Faizal, and Director, Maryam Bassama Farooq, of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Their participation reflects the importance attached by the Maldives to this official visit and to the broad diplomatic, economic and educational engagements scheduled in Yunnan. The visit is expected to contribute positively to the Maldives’ international outreach and to further consolidate its friendly relations and cooperative engagement with China and the wider South Asian region.
advertisment
advertisment
