Maldives to Host 9th China–South Asia Friendship Forum Promoting Regional Cooperation and Cultural Exchange

The Maldives will host the 9th China–South Asia Friendship Organizations Forum from 12 to 15 November 2025 at Crossroads Maldives, bringing together leading representatives from China and South Asian nations to strengthen cultural ties, civil diplomacy, and regional collaboration.

Organized by the China–Maldivian Cultural Association (CMCA) in partnership with the Organization of South Asian Regional Friendship and Cooperation with China (OSARFCC) and the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), the forum will be held under the theme “Mutual Learning, Peace, Prosperity for a Shared Future.”

The event will highlight the collective commitment of China and South Asian countries to fostering mutual understanding, cultural cooperation, and sustainable development through people-to-people diplomacy.

A key highlight of this year’s forum will be the participation of H.E. Dr. Yang Wanming, President of CPAFFC and a seasoned diplomat who has served as China’s Ambassador to Chile, Argentina, and Brazil. Dr. Yang’s presence underscores the importance of the Maldives as a growing hub for regional cultural and diplomatic engagement.

The four-day program will feature an array of activities including a cocktail reception, cultural and social events, two main forum sessions, and a closing ceremony. Delegates from government, academia, and civil society across South Asia and China will discuss opportunities for cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, focusing on education, culture, and sustainable development.

The China–Maldivian Cultural Association, established in 2015 under the leadership of Ambassador Mohamed Rasheed, continues to serve as a key bridge of friendship between the Maldives and China. As the current chair of OSARFCC, CMCA has taken a leading role in expanding the regional friendship network across South Asia.

The forum is expected to conclude with a renewed commitment to regional friendship and collaboration, marking another milestone in South Asia–China relations.