Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed arrived in the People’s Republic of China on Monday morning, January 8, 2024.
The President and the First Lady flew to China on a state visit at the invitation of the Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The two were greeted by senior Chinese officials upon their arrival.
A high-level is accompanying the Presidential couple on the visit. This is the first state visit of President Dr. Muizzu following his assumption of office on November 17, 2023.
President Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed next visited the Xiamen Free Trade Zone in China’s Fujian province.
During this visit, the representatives of the Xiamen Free Trade Zone presented an introductory video to the presidential couple. President Muizzu and the First Lady took a tour and inquired about the significant areas in the zone.
The senior officials of the China Communications Construction Company Limited (CCCC) paid a courtesy call on President Muizzu after his visit to the Xiamen Free Trade Zone.
Speaking at the meeting, President Muizzu underscored the significance of China “as a valued ally and an integral collaborator” in the development of the Maldives.
He further expressed aspirations to enhance bilateral relations to “new heights and enhance collaborative efforts” in various areas of mutual interest between the two countries.
The CCCC officials expressed gratitude for the enduring support the company received from the Maldives over the years. They also expressed interest and commitment to contribute to the development initiatives of the Maldives in the future as well.
The Secretary of CPC Fujian Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Standing Committee of Fujian Provincial People’s Congress Zhou Zuyi and the Deputy Secretary of CPC Fujian Provincial Party Committee and Governor of Fujian Province Zhao Long met with President Muizzu.
During this meeting, Secretary of the Fujian Provincial Party Committee expressed his wish to enhance cooperation in cultural and tourism, city-to-city, and fisheries.
President Muizzu noted that the Maldives “valued the China-Maldives relationship and expressed” hopes to increase cooperation in multiple areas.
The Fujian Provincial Leaders also hosted a Welcome Banquet in honor of the Maldivian President, First Lady, and the Maldivian delegation on Monday evening.
The Managing Director of Hunan Construction Investment Group (HCIG) Cai Dianwei and senior officials of HCIG paid a courtesy call on President Muizzu on Monday evening.
During the meeting, the HCIG Managing Director gave a brief overview of the company and briefed the President on some of their projects. Dianwei expressed eagerness to “further enhance cooperation with the Maldives”.
President Muizzu also noted that he looked forward to further cooperation between the two countries and assured his administration’s full support.
On Tuesday morning, January 9, Maldivian First Lady Sajidha Mohamed visited the Sanfang Qixiang in Fuzhou, China.
During the visit, representatives from Sanfang Qixiang gave the First Lady an overview of the site. She then took a tour and inquired about significant areas in the zone.
Sanfang Qixiang is a cultural and historic area in Fuzhou depicting the traditional form of urban planning from the Tang Dynasty.
President Muizzu and the First Lady next visited the Fujian Museum in Fuzhou, China.
During this visit, representatives from Fujian Museum briefed the President and the First Lady about the significance of the museum. The presidential couple then took a tour which showcases the history and culture of the country.
The Presidential couple next visited the Hongdong Fishery Co. Ltd in Fuzhou.
Representatives from the company made an introductory video presentation during the visit, and the presidential couple were briefed about the company’s products and operations.
President Muizzu and the First Lady arrived in Beijing, China with a high-level delegation on Tuesday, January 9.
Upon their arrival, the President and the First Lady inspected a Guard of Honour accorded to them.
Presidential couple visited the Chinese Communist Party Museum in Beijing, China on Wednesday morning, January 10.
Representatives from the museum provided the President and the First Lady with an overview showcasing the Chinese culture, and significant historical moments followed by a tour.
President Muizzu and the First Lady additionally signed the guest book at the museum. In the message, President Muizzu noted the exhibition’s outstanding display of the CCP’s long history “in understanding the party’s evaluation.”