Maldives, China discuss boosting economic cooperation

Maldives and China engaged in discussions on Thursday, to explore economic cooperation in a post COVID-19 environment.

The discussions took place at the Foreign Ministry in Male’ on Thursday afternoon, and was attended by Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer, Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid, and Chinese Ambassador Zhang Lizhong.

In a tweet following the meeting, Shahid described the discussions as “very productive”.

“China continues to extend to us its strong support in the economic recovery process, and other areas of mutual interest,” added Shahid.

Shahid had urged the restorations of flights, trade, connectivity between Maldives and China, and reiterated Maldives’s commitment to further strengthening the ties between the two countries back in September, while attending a virtual reception hosted by Zhang to celebrate the 71st anniversary of founding of China.

He said that strengthening ties between Maldives and China was crucial for economic recovery.

China had been the top source market for tourist arrivals to Maldives over the last years, before the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world, disrupting travel.