President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu decided on Sunday to establish a Maldives embassy in Türkiye’s capital Ankara in line with discussions on strengthening the age old close ties between the countries.
The President made the decision after deliberations during yesterday’s cabinet meeting.
Speaking at press conference at the President’s Office after the cabinet meeting, Undersecretary Mohamed Firzul said the main reason for opening the embassy was to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the countries in addition to providing services to Maldivians in the country.
"Looking at statistics today, a lot of Maldivians travel to Türkiye as a tourist destination. The number of Maldivians residing in Türkiye for various business reasons and for education is increasing day by day as well," Firzul said, noting that the number was expected to rise in the future.
The decision would offer convenience to Maldivians traveling to Türkiye, he noted, adding that the necessary legal and diplomatic efforts would be undertaken in the coming days.
During his trip to Türkiye on his first official overseas visit since assuming office, President Muizzu met with Maldivians living in the country and heard their complaints about the challenges posed by the lack of a Maldivian embassy. The President pledged to find a solution at the meeting.
