Facing tourism backlash from Indians, Muizzu on Tuesday appealed to China to "intensify" efforts to send more tourists to the island nation.
Muizzu, who is on an official visit to China, was addressing the Maldives Business Forum in Fujian Province. He termed China as the Maldives' "closest" ally. "China remains one of our closest allies and development partners," he said.
This follows the strategic free trade agreement signed between China and the Maldives.
Muizzu's appeal comes amid a spate of cancellations of reservations by Indian tourists after a diplomatic row erupted over offensive remarks by Maldivian ministers against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India.
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