The signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Fisheries Research Institute of Fujian and the Maldives Marine Research Institute. [Photo provided to gofujian.com]

A pivotal meeting was held on Sept 7 in the port city of Xiamen, Fujian province, with visiting officials of the Maldives.

The meeting took place between the Fujian's Department of Ocean and Fisheries and the Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Marine Resources of the Maldives.

The highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Fisheries Research Institute of Fujian and the Maldives Marine Research Institute.

The meeting underscored the enduring friendship between Fujian and the Maldives, building on the progress initiated during Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu's visit to Fujian last year.

That visit laid the groundwork for improved cooperation, leading to mutual visits and fisheries training programs that have already yielded  results.

The MoU is to signify a strategic advancement in fisheries management and aquaculture technology collaboration. Both parties see this as a chance to jointly foster high-quality development in marine fisheries and to embark on a new chapter of blue cooperation.

The signed MoU aims to boost technical exchanges, resource sharing and joint research, with expectations of significant advancements in aquaculture, marine ecology and sustainable development.