Maldivian Minister of Sports Abdulla Rafiu led a delegation to visit Xiamen and Fuzhou from January 4 to 7.

On January 6, Governor Zhao Long met with Minister Rafiu in Fuzhou. He said, China and Maldives enjoy a long and rich history of friendly exchanges. In January last year, President Xi Jinping and President Mohamed Muizzu announced the elevation of China-Maldives relations to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, charting the course for the development of bilateral ties. Sports are a common language, a bond of trust, and a bridge of friendship. We are ready to strengthen cooperation with the Maldives in sports events, project development, and talent training, so as to promote people-to-people exchanges, and contribute to the building of a China-Maldives community with a shared future.

Minister Rafiu said that he is honored to be invited to the 2025 Xiamen Marathon. He noted, sports are an important factor for people’s health and an important impetus for economic and social development. Through this visit, he hoped to further practical cooperation with Fujian for mutual success via sports exchanges.

During his stay in Fujian, Minister Rafiu attended the starting ceremony of 2025 Xiamen Marathon, and visited Xtep Innovation Center and Xiamen Egret Stadium.