Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, on a five-day state visit to China, has urged the country to “intensify” efforts to boost tourism from China. This appeal comes amidst a diplomatic row over derogatory remarks by Maldivian ministers against India and Prime Minister Modi. Speaking at the Maldives Business Forum in Fujian province, Muizzu hailed China as the island nation’s “closest” ally and lauded the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects initiated by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Muizzu acknowledged China’s role as a significant development partner, emphasizing that BRI projects marked crucial infrastructure advancements in Maldivian history. He called for increased Chinese tourist inflow, highlighting China as the Maldives’ top market before the COVID-19 pandemic. The two countries signed a USD 50 million project to develop an integrated tourism zone in the Maldives.
The diplomatic tension arose following derogatory remarks made by Maldivian ministers against PM Modi after his visit to Lakshadweep. In response, three deputy ministers were suspended, and the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) strongly condemned the comments.
During his speech, Muizzu, perceived as a pro-China leader, outlined his administration’s focus on economic diversification and security. He emphasized the swift implementation of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed with China in 2014, stating that the FTA symbolizes close commercial ties. The President sought Chinese investments in 11 projects presented at the Maldives Investment Forum, including the relocation of the Male Commercial Port, Velana International Airport development, and construction of 15 additional airports.
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