President Muizzu’s State Visit to China Costs MVR 2.4 Million, Reveals President’s Office

The President’s Office has disclosed that the President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s state visit to China, undertaken in early January, incurred expenses totalling MVR 2.4 million.

The visit marked President Muizzu’s inaugural state visit since assuming office, following an invitation extended by Chinese President Xi Jinping. Accompanied by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed and a delegation comprising high-ranking government officials, President Muizzu embarked on the journey to China from January 8 to 13.

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Records released by the President’s Office on Thursday revealed that the delegation transited through Singapore and Dubai during their travel.

The breakdown of ticket expenses included MVR 185,826.42 for three business class tickets from Male to Singapore to Xiamen, and MVR 676,552.50 for 27 economy class tickets for the same route. Additionally, MVR 904,383 was spent on ten business class tickets from Beijing to Dubai to Male, along with MVR 253,720.68 for nineteen economy class tickets on the same route. 

Further expenses included MVR 300,495 allocated as pocket money for thirty officials, along with MVR 3,374.79 earmarked for hosting an event to engage with Maldivians residing in China, and an additional MVR 14,341.69 expended on SIM cards and VPN services. Incidental expenses amounted to MVR 89,419.

It is noteworthy that the Chinese government generously covered the costs of accommodation and meals throughout the duration of the visit.

During the state visit, the Maldives and China solidified their bilateral relations by signing more than twenty agreements. Additionally, China pledged USD 130 million in grant assistance to the Maldives, signifying a significant milestone in the diplomatic ties between the two nations.