Chinese President Xi Jinping said China is ready to do more to advance its relationship with the Maldives during a phone call with Maldivian President Ibrahim Solih on Friday.  

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Maldives, both countries have provided understanding and support to each other, setting a good example for achieving equality, mutual benefits and win-win results between a country of large size and that of a small one, Xi said.  

He added both sides should strengthen mutual support on multilateral occasions, safeguard fairness and justice of the international community and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.  

Solih said the Maldivian side highly appreciates China's resolute upholding of multilateralism, such as at the World Health Organization, as well as China's calling for and practice of strengthening international unity and cooperation.  

The Maldives is firmly committed to the one-China principle, and ready to take the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries next year as an opportunity to promote closer bilateral cooperation, jointly build the Belt and Road Initiative and improve coordination on multilateral affairs.