Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives Wang Lixin has said that he will try to increase chinese tourist arrivals as requested by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu during his state visit to China.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Lixin said they were working hard to implement what was agreed during the visit, adding that efforts had already been made to increase Chinese tourist arrivals.

Prior to COVID-19, China was the largest source market for the Maldives.

President Dr. Muizzu announced the commencement of direct flights of Xiamen Airlines between China and the Maldives this month.

Ambassador Lixin yesterday said that chartered flights of another airline will also commence flights to the Maldives.

"The Maldives is an attractive destination for Chinese tourists. People are waiting for us to increase the number of direct flights," the Ambassador said.

During the meeting, Ambassador Lixin reiterated the close ties between the two countries and said that the signing of 20 agreements during President Dr. Muizzu's visit was a source of satisfaction for both countries and a symbol of the success of the visit.