On January 8, Lai Jun, secretary of the Party Working Committee of the Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone, met Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu in Fuzhou, the capital city of E China’s Fujian province. 

Lai Jun provided a brief overview of the development and construction of Pingtan, stating that President Xi Jinping has been showing concern for and attention to Pingtan. President Xi outlined the strategic blueprint for Pingtan, providing a clear direction and scientific guidance for the construction of Pingtan as an international tourism island. Currently, Pingtan is making concerted efforts to excel in tourism, accelerating the construction of an internationally renowned tourist destination. Last year, a delegation traveled to the Maldives to learn from their successful experiences and practices in the tourism industry. Lai expressed the hope for further strengthening exchanges and cooperation with the Maldives, achieving more practical results in cultural tourism development, promoting sister city exchanges, and deepening cooperation in marine fisheries.

President Mohamed Muizzu expressed his delight at the opportunity to reunite in Fuzhou and highlighted the fruitful discussions on cooperation in various fields conducted last year. He emphasized the similarities between the Maldives and Pingtan and considered this reunion a rare chance to enhance communication. Muizzu expressed the desire to continue strengthening exchanges, explore ongoing cooperation potential, broaden the depth and breadth of collaboration, and achieve more pragmatic and mutually beneficial outcomes. He also expressed his willingness to visit Pingtan when the opportunity arises.