President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed departed for China on a state visit last night.
A high-level delegation of the Maldives government and some local journalists accompanied President Muizzu during the visit at the invitation of President of the People’s Republic of China, Xi Jinping. President Muizzu will conclude his visit on Friday.
The President is accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer, Minister of Defense Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon, Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed, Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam, Minister of Tourism Ibrahim Faisal, Minister of Housing, Land and Urban Development Dr. Ali Haidar, and Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure Dr. Abdulla Muththalib.
Urbanco Managing Director Ibrahim Fazul Rasheed and Principal Advisor to the President on Trade and Investment Mohamed Ali Janah are also accompanying the visit.
H.E. President Dr @MMuizzu and H.E. First Lady Sajidha Mohamed departed on the first state visit to the People’s Republic of China today, at the invitation of the President of China, H.E. Xi Jinping. pic.twitter.com/ZuYLcGUWCE— The President's Office (@presidencymv) January 7, 2024
A Maldives business forum will also be held in China to coincide with President Dr. Muizzu's visit.
This is President Dr. Muizzu's third official visit abroad since taking office on November 17 last year. His first official visit as President was to Turkey, followed by his visit to Dubai to attend the COP28 summit.
Maldives-China relations was strained during the administration of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. However, under the leadership of President Dr. Muizzu, the relationship has started to strengthen. President Muizzu has always maintained a close relationship with China.
China has played a significant role in providing assistance for the implementation of mega development projects in the Maldives. Notable projects include the Sinamalé Bridge and the construction of housing flats.