A digest of news and opinion from the Maldives.
China and the Maldives on Thursday signed deals to cooperate on a free-trade agreement and on Beijing’s maritime trade plan, as China takes a growing strategic interest in South Asia. The agreements were signed after a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, who is on a four-day visit […]
When Maldivian President Adbulla Yameen kicks off a four-day state visit to Beijing on Wednesday, he will do so knowing his government already has forged a solid relationship with China’s leadership and especially President Xi Jinping. Yameen, who leads a nation of 400,000 in India’s backyard, is expected to meet Xi and oversee the signing […]
BEIJING, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) — China and the Maldives agreed to strengthen cooperation on tourism, as Chinese Premier Li Keqiang met with the Maldives President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom in Beijing Thursday. “China has been the Maldives’ biggest source of tourists for seven consecutive years, and there is huge potential for more cooperation,” Li said. […]
The announcement of a free trade agreement between the Maldives and China is another sign of Beijing’s success in its outreach in South Asia. After its push for maritime linkages across the Indian Ocean, including naval exercises and port projects, and for the enhancement of regional connectivity through the Belt and Road Initiative, China seems […]
Beijing, Dec 6 China today defended its much- criticised FTA with Maldives, saying it serves the interests of the two countries and the region, as Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen kicks off his maiden visit here. Yameen will hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping and the two the countries are expected to sign more […]
The extra flights, effective 15 June 2018, will operate year-round and provide more travel options with an early morning arrival. Etihad Airways today announced four additional weekly flights on the popular Abu Dhabi – Malé route, taking frequency to the idyllic Maldives to 11 services a week from June next year. The extra flights, effective […]
Ratings giant Moody’s has indicated that they would consider raising ratings for the Maldives if fiscal deficit is lowered. Moody’s said that if the deficit continues to increase, then it will impact the ability for the nation to borrow. At 65.7 percent of GDP in 2016, debt is significantly above the median for B-rated sovereigns […]
I was going to start this piece with a sarcastic explanation of just how awful the Maldives are, but let’s not beat around the bush here: it’s breath-taking. Even actively trying to make it out as a twisted hellscape is impossible. If Robinson Crusoe ended up there instead of the Caribbean, he wouldn’t have been […]
Local parliamentarian from ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) has claimed the neighbouring countries are currently envious of the successive progression and development of Maldives. Riyaz Rasheed, who is the designated MP for Vilufushi constituency said on Tuesday night at PPM’s camp, an arrangement for a free trade agreement between Maldives and a foreign nation […]