President Abdullah Yameen Abdul Qayyoom has launched the Maldives China and Cultural Organization (MCTCO). The Organization is the first China Maldives NGO created after the Chinese Embassy was opened in the Maldives.
The Organization was launched in a ceremony held in Billabong High School. Housing Minister Dr. Mohamed Muizz is the Honorary President of the MCTCO.
Speaking in the ceremony, Organization's President Ahmed Musthafa said the relationship between the two nations had transcended ages and that there were signs that this relationship was developing further. He added the purpose of the MCTCO was to extend support to businesses coming to Maldives from China and businesses coming to China from the Maldives.
Musthafa said the MCTCO will seek to establish cultural ties to bridge the two nations. He added that MCTCO will focus on teaching Chinese language as well.
MCTCO General Secretary, MP for Maafannu South Constituency, Abdullah Rifau said the MCTCO had met with the Tourist Police to facilitate easy access to Chinese tourists. He said the MCTCO will sign an MOU with a similar organization in Sri Lanka to gain experience in such issues.
Rifau announced that a branch of the MCTCO will be opened in Beijing and once opened, the activities of MCTCO will be expanded.
The Organization was registered in August last year. Even though the MCTCO was formally launched last night, the Organization had carried out some activities in the past.
