Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives Zhang Lizhong met Maldivian foreign minister Abdullah Sahid and discussed ways for “enhanced and closer corporation between two countries.”

“A pleasure to meet with FM @abdullah_shahid to exchange views on (a) wide range of issues of mutual interest. I am looking forward to enhanced and closer co-op between the two sides in the year 2021 to bring more concrete benefits,” tweeted Chinese ambassador Zhang Lizhong. 

Shahid said they discussed ways to “advance economic and development” cooperation between two nations. “We look forward to future discussions with #China that will benefit our bilateral and multilateral relationship, & understanding between Maldives and China,” he tweeted. 

Ever since the global pandemic affected the Maldives economy, the country has been in discussion with Chinese authorities for restructuring on loans. The country’s finances dwindled as the tourism industry-the biggest revenue source for the Maldives- remained severely affected for most of the last year due to the global lockdown.