MALE - China assured its support to tackle the growing problem of climate change in the Maldives, a spokesman said on Tuesday.

Maldives President's Media Secretary Imad Masood told Xinhua that Chen Zhili, Vice-Chairwoman of the Standing Committee of the Chinese National People's Congress, gave the assurance at an earlier meeting with President Mohamed Waheed.

"The Vice-Chairwoman stressed China's role as a strong player in the global fight against climate change," Masood said.

She assured continuous support for the on-going projects in the Maldives under the assistance from China, he described.

During the meeting at the President's Office in Male, Chen Zhili also appreciated the Maldivian government for the support provided to China in the international arena.

2012 marks the 40th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the two Asian countries and at the meeting Waheed and Chen Zhili have discussed the ways to strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries.

"President Waheed commended China's developmental efforts, and expressed his confidence that China would be able to achieve more economic advancement through these efforts," the spokesman said.

Waheed expressed his gratitude to the Chinese government for the continuous assistance provided in all areas of development for the Maldives and briefed on the recent issues faced by the island nation.