Li: China, Maldives have great tourism potential

China supports more tourists to travel to Maldives and expects more convenience from Maldives for travelers, Premier Li Keqiang said on Thursday.

Li made the remarks when meeting with Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom in Beijing.

Noting that China has been the largest source of tourists to Maldives in the past seven years, Li said the two countries have great potential of cooperation in tourism, and this will be beneficial to developing friendship between peoples of the two countries.

The two countries can exchange experiences in developing tourism and further discuss cooperation, Li said.

He said China looks forward to more fruitful outcomes in synergizing China's development strategy with Maldives, adding that China is willing to strengthen cooperation with Maldives in areas such as infrastructure construction, civil aviation, trade, marine research, as well as in efforts of dealing with climate change.

Gayoom said that since the Maldives and China set up diplomatic relations 45 years ago, the close and friendly ties between the two countries have become a model of diplomatic ties. He said Maldives appreciates China's support in its social and economic development, and appreciates the effort that China has made in dealing with climate change.