An agreement has been signed for staple food imports from Türkiye instead of depending on one country, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has said.
Speaking to journalists at the Velana International Airport after concluding his visit to China, President Muizzu said agreements have been signed with different countries to import staple foods and other commonly used food and beverages.
"Agreement has been made with Türkiye for the supply of rice, sugar, flour and other items enough for one year and an additional 10 percent. The agreement has now been signed to bring staples from Türkiye enough for a year and an additional 10 percent," the President said.
The first flour shipment from Türkiye will arrive in February, he said.
In addition to flour, agreements have also been signed with various countries to import rice and sugar as well as onions, eggs and potatoes with shipments due to arrive in the Maldives, the President said.
The government has also decided to distribute 10kg bags of rice and flour to each household next Ramadan, President Muizzu announced. The amount of free staples provided by the government will increase next year, he added.
The Maldives will not rely on one country for staple foodstuff, the President said in an indirect message to neighbouring India.
"We will not depend on just one source for our basic commodities [rice, flour and sugar] now," he said.
