BEIJING: Maldivian president Mohamed Muizzu arrived in China on Monday on a five-day state visit during which he is due to hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping and sign several agreements to bolster the bilateral ties. Muizzu, who is regarded as pro-China, is accompanied by his wife Sajidha Mohamed and a high-level delegation.
The president and the first lady were greeted by senior Chinese officials upon their arrival in the country. They visited the Xiamen Free Trade Zone in China’s Fujian province. Representatives from the Xiamen Free Trade Zone presented an introductory video. Following the presentation, the president and the First Lady took a tour and inquired about significant areas in the zone.
Muizzu’s maiden visit to China, however, has been marred by a huge diplomatic row triggered by the derogatory remarks against PM Narendra Modi by some Maldivian ministers after he posted a video of him on a pristine beach during his visit to Lakshadweep.
Muizzu is due to hold talks with Chinese president Xi and sign several agreements to bolster the bilateral ties, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin. “The relations between China and the Maldives now stand at a new historical starting point. We believe that through this visit, the two heads of state will provide strategic guidance for the bilateral relations to reach a new height,” Wang told the media on January 5.
The Maldives and China will hold official talks and sign key agreements to enhance trade, professional development and socioeconomic cooperation, the Maldivian President’s Office said.