The Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the Republic of the Maldives, Wang Lixin, paid a courtesy call on First Lady Fazna Ahmed.

The meeting was held at the President’s Official Residence, Mulee’aage, on Monday morning.

President's Office disclosed that the First Lady and the Ambassador conversed about the long-standing friendship and cooperation between Maldives and China, at the meeting. As such, Ambassador Lixin noted that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations between both the countries and highlighted that numerous programmes have been planned to celebrate the occasion.

Additionally, both the ladies discussed the disruptions caused to everyday life across the globe due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Ambassador shared some of the difficulties that Chinese visitors face when travelling overseas.

Ambassador Lixin also highlighted the difficulties posed to the education sector due to the pandemic and went on to commend the administration for its free first degree programme.

The First Lady expressed her satisfaction with the free first degree programme, stating that it had helped alleviate financial burdens faced by a large number of women in pursuing higher education.

First Lady and Ambassador Lixin concluded the meeting wishing each other well and with the hope of meeting again.