The third meeting of the Joint Meeting Mechanism to deal with the issue of safety of Chinese Tourists in the Maldives was held at the Sheraton Full Moon Resort last Thursday.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Abdulla Shahid and Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China in the Maldives, H.E. Mr. Zhang Lizhong co-chaired the Joint Meeting. Minister of Tourism, H.E Ali Waheed also attended the opening of the forum. As a follow-up on the Memorandum of Understanding concluded between the two Governments during the visit of His Excellency President Xi Jinping to the Maldives in September 2014, the Joint Meeting was held to discuss the issue of safety of Chinese tourists in the Maldives.
In his opening remarks, Minister Shahid highlighted the commitment of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s government in developing the tourism industry. He also noted the importance of such a platform to identify the major problems and countermeasures which allow both sides to further strengthen the communication and coordination regarding the safety of Chinese tourists in the Maldives. Minister further noted the positive result the mechanism has brought.
He also noted that people-to-people contact remains a key element of the bilateral relationship between Maldives and China. Minister Ali Waheed also highlighted on the main initiatives planned ahead, and also about the strategic plan for the tourism industry. Minister assured full support and cooperation in providing a safe and sound environment to the tourists visiting the Maldives.
The Ambassador thanked the Government of Maldives for the coordination and cooperation extended in ensuring a safe environment for the Chinese tourists in the Maldives. Ambassador assured that this mechanism will strengthen the joint efforts by the Maldives and China in securing a safe environment for the Chinese tourists in the Maldives. The Agreed Minutes of the Meeting was signed by His Excellency Ahmed Khaleel, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Maldives, H.E. Mr. Zhang Lizhong.
The Joint Meeting was attended by senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Embassy of China in the Maldives, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Health, Department of Immigration, Maldives Customs Service, Maldives Police Service, MNDF, Maldives Airports Company Ltd. MATI, and key stakeholders.
