Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives Kong Xianhua Attends the Maldives’ National Day Commemoration Events Held on Utheemu Island

From August 14 to 15, Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives Kong Xianhua attended the Maldives' National Day commemoration events held on Utheemu Island at invitation. President Mohamed Muizzu attended the events and unveiled the historical commemorative arch. Utheemu Island is located in the Haa Alif Atoll in the northern Maldives and is the birthplace and childhood hometown of the Maldivian national hero, Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu. In the 16th century, Thakurufaanu led the Maldivian people in resisting foreign invasion by the Portuguese and ultimately restored the nation's independence, and his deeds are widely celebrated across the Maldives. Today, Utheemu Island preserves relevant historical sites and has become an important venue for commemorating the hero's legacy.

Ambassador Kong stated that national unity is built upon a shared understanding among the people of their own past and history, emphasizing that the national heroes who sacrificed for the country's independence should be remembered, and affirming the importance of valuing historical education and carrying forward the spirit of independence. Local Maldivian media positively reported on the ambassador's remarks under the headline "Reflections of the Chinese Ambassador's Visit to Utheemu Island," and considered the ambassador's insights on national independence and the significance of national history to be profound and meaningful.