Main opposition MDP’s leader and former foreign minister Abdulla Shahid, on Friday, met with China’s president Xi Jinping.

The meeting was held at the Chinese capital Beijing.

Shahid met with Xi on the sidelines of a conference held to mark the 70th anniversary of the five principles of peaceful coexistence

The five principles of peaceful coexistence - mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, mutual non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence – is the basis of China’s foreign policy. The 70th anniversary conference marks the inclusion of the five principles in the Sino-Indian agreement between China and India.

Shahid met Xi ahead of his address at the conference.

Via a post on X following the conference, Shahid commended Xi’s commitment towards a peaceful and prosperous world, marked by enhanced cooperation and understanding.

“Humanity has only one simple choice. Peaceful coexistence,” Shahid stressed.

He added that together, common challenges can be addressed and a path towards a sustainable, peaceful, stable and prosperous future for all can be established.

Shahid, throughout his career in diplomacy, has established close relations with senior foreign officials.

He had served as the president of 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly as well.

While he currently serves as the leader of Maldives’ main opposition party, the party is currently undertaking efforts to reform its leadership.