Chinese govt announces aid to Maldives

MALE -- The Chinese government has pledged $16 million in aid to Maldives, the President's Office said on Monday as President Abdulla Yameen continues his visit to China.

In addition to the $16 million, an agreement was reached to provide the Maldives police service with 150 motorcycles.

The grant aid is to be used for development projects in the Maldives, the statement from the President's Office said.

At separate meetings held on Saturday afternoon, discussions between Chinese and Maldivian officials were focused on the investment opportunities in Maldives, and the mega development projects.

Yameen also met officials from Tuniu, one of China's top travel agencies, and attended a lunch hosted by the group.

The Maldivian government is seeking concessional loans from the Chinese government to finance "a large portion" of a project to build a bridge connecting the capital Male with nearby island Hulhumale, President Yameen told reporters ahead of his visit.

The two governments are also focused on several other investment opportunities including tourism investment and cooperation on the Maritime Silk Route policy.

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