The Chinese government is ready to encourage more Chinese tourists to visit Maldives, Ambassador Wang Lixin has said.
In an interview with CGTN Radio, Lixin said the two countries want to strengthen relations in the tourism sector.
"The Chinese government is ready to encourage Chinese tourists to visit Maldives. Maldives is also keen to work together in the field of tourism," she said.
Lixin said China was the largest tourist source market for Maldives a few years ago and talks are already underway to promote Maldives tourism in China.
"Maldives is one of the most popular countries among Chinese tourists. Before the outbreak, for about 10 years, the largest number of tourists came from China," she said.
"A Maldives delegation will come to China to promote tourism. And already, talks are underway to increase direct flights between the two countries," she explained.
The Ambassador said that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's visit to China will further strengthen relations in the fields of infrastructure, construction, renewable energy and digital economy, tourism and sports.
"In the future, we hope to strengthen cooperation in infrastructure and construction, including road construction, social housing and hospitals. Such things will improve people's lives," she noted.
Muizzu's visit to China ended on Friday. During the visit, 20 agreements were signed between China and Maldives.
