An exhibition by the Maldives National Museum will be held in China for the first time under an agreement signed between the two countries.

The agreement was signed during a meeting between Heritage Minister Heena Waleed and officials of the Tianjin National Maritime Museum during her visit to China.

Wang Long, Director of the Tianjin National Maritime Museum, signed the agreement on behalf of China.

Under the agreement, a special exhibition will be held at museums in Chinese cities early next year.

Maldives National Museum will also host a special exhibition titled “Ancient Chinese Shipbuilding and Navigation Technology: The Maritime Silk Road Connecting China and the Maldives”.

The Heritage Ministry said the exhibitions aim to highlight the historical links between seafaring and the Maritime Silk Road, while providing technical assistance and training opportunities for Maldivian artisans.

The two countries will also conduct joint research on archaeological sites and artefacts in different parts of the Maldives, the ministry said.

The ministry said possible collaborations with Chinese universities were also discussed to develop the skills and knowledge of Maldivian staff in culture, heritage, museum management and advanced technology.