China's Xizang Autonomous Region has donated 1,500 tonnes of drinking water to the Maldives, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

The ministry said the Chairman of China's Xizang Autonomous Region intended to donate 1,500 tonnes of drinking water to the Maldives during his official visit to the country in November last year.

The shipment of water, which the company said it would donate, has now been brought to the Maldives.

The Chinese government has decided to provide this water as aid to the islands in case of water shortage.

When China's Autonomous Region Chairman Yan Jinhai visited in November, President Dr Mohammed Muizzu met with him. The two also discussed various areas of interest to and for the region.

Among other things, the two leaders discussed ways to expand tourism between the two countries, launching direct flights, climate change, cultural similarities between the region and Maldives, as well as challenges facing the two countries.