Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:30pm on 09 Jan 2024,Tuesday International
Following diplomatic rift with India and a backlash from Indian tourists, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has urged China to boost tourism to his nation. The appeal comes after ministers in Maldives faced criticism for disparaging remarks against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. President Muizzu, during his state visit to China, praised the Belt and Road Initiative, highlighting China as the Maldives' "closest" ally. Concurrently, a $50 million tourism project agreement was signed, emphasizing the importance of Chinese tourists. Despite India historically being a key tourism source, Muizzu aims to diversify, underlining the significance of a Free Trade Agreement with China.
