President Muizzu’s China trip cost MVR 2.4 million

Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s state visit to China on early January cost MVR 2.4 million, according to information released by the President’s Office.

President Muizzu had travelled to China on his first state visit since assuming office at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. He, accompanied by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed and a delegation of top government officials, visited the country from January 8-13.

The records released by the President’s Office on Thursday show they transited in Singapore and Dubai.

Ticket expenses:

• Male’/Singapore/Xiamen – three business class tickets: MVR 185,826.42
• Male’/Singapore/Xiamen – 27 economy class tickets: MVR 676,552.50
• Beijing/Dubai/Male’ – 10 business class tickets: MVR 904,383
• Beijing/Dubai/Male’ – 19 economy class tickets: MVR 253,720.68

MVR 300,495 was spent on pocket money for 30 officials, and an additional 3,374.79 on holding an event to meet Maldivians residing in China, and an additional MVR 14,341.69 on SIM cars and VPN.

MVR 89,419 was listed as incidental expenses.

The stay and meals were covered by the Chinese government.

Maldives and China signed over 20 agreements during the visit. The country also pledged USD 130 million in grant assistance to the Maldives.