Delegation led by Deputy Director General QIAO Fangli visits Maldives for cooperation

From January 30 to February 1, 2024, QIAO Fangli, Deputy Director General of the First Institute of Oceanography (FIO) of the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) of China led FIO delegation to ministries and commissions as well as marine-related research institutions of Maldives, such as the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy, the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, the Maldives Meteorological Service, the Maldives Marine Research Institute, and the Maldives National University.

Heads of the above-mentioned ministries and commissions and institutions received the scientific research delegation from FIO and extended a warm welcome to them. The two sides conducted in-depth discussions on marine science and technology cooperation and reached a consensus on cooperation in multiple scientific research fields. During the visit, QIAO Fangli was also invited to give an academic report entitled “Science-based Prevention and Mitigation of Ocean and Climate Multi-hazards” at Maldives National University.

On January 10, 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu in Beijing. The two leaders announced that China-Maldives relations would be upgraded to a comprehensive strategic partnership. They also issued a joint communique, which specifically pointed out that “China will continue to offer Maldives support within its capabilities in areas of priority concern to Maldives, such as infrastructure construction and marine environmental protection”. In January 2024, the MNR of China and the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources of Maldives signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Marine Cooperation Toward Blue Partnership.

This visit is a concrete measure to promote practical marine science and technology cooperation between China and Maldives. FIO will continue to deepen sci-tech exchanges and cooperation between the two countries, so as to create a better blue future together!

Visit to the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy of Maldives

Visit to the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources of Maldives

Visit to the Maldives Meteorological Service

QIAO Fangli makes an academic report