The First Couple of China has hosted a state banquet in honor of the Maldivian First Couple.

Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, are currently on a state visit to China, at the invitation of the Chinese President Xi Jinping.

President Dr. Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha departed to China on a state visit on 07 January, 2024. They are accompanied by a high level delegation.

The Chinese President Xi Jinping, and the First Lady of China, Madam Peng Liyuan, officially welcomed the Maldivian First Couple on Wednesday.

The arrival of President Dr. Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha followed a 21-gun salute and the national anthems of both countries played by the Chinese Military Band.

President Dr. Muizzu accompanied by President Xi Jinping then inspected the Guard of Honor.

During the ceremony, President Dr. Muizzu was greeted by and introduced to the Chinese dignitaries, followed by the Maldivian dignitaries introduction to President Xi Jinping.

The state banquet in honor of the Maldivian First Couple was hosted on Wednesday.

As part of the Maldivian President's state visit to China, official talks have been held between the countries, followed by the exchange of 20 key agreements.

President Muizzu has also attended the Invest Maldives Forum in Fuzhou, China, and held meetings with senior Chinese business leaders to explore avenues for strengthening socioeconomic relations between the Maldives and China.

This is the first state visit President Dr Muizzu has undertaken since assuming office in November last year.

The Maldivian leader has undertaken a visit to China at a time relations between India and Maldives have soured once again, over posts on social media platform ‘X’ by deputy ministers close to the president.