The Chinese embassy in Maldives has opened a visa section in order to allow Maldivians to get Chinese visa directly from capital Male, local media reported on Friday.

Speaking at a ceremony, Foreign Minister Dhunya Maumoon expressed her gratitude to the Chinese government for opening the visa section and noted the significance of the facility's role in furthering trade and investment between the two countries.

Chinese ambassador Wang Fukang thanked the Maldives government for the support and assistance it has provided in enabling the embassy to establish its visa section, local media outlet Haveeru reported.

He also noted the previous hurdles the embassy had faced in its endeavor to set up the section since its establishment in 2011.

The ambassador noted that he hoped more Maldivians would take this opportunity to visit and study in China.

Visa services are available from the embassy from 9-11 am on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. The visa is provided free of charge, and takes four days to process.