A naval ship from Türkiye has arrived in the Maldives amid close ties fostered by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's government.
The Turkish military vessel is docked near Male', the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) media official said. The ship arrived on a goodwill visit, according to the army.
The ship that arrived in the Maldives was Türkiye's TCG Kinaliada, MNDF said in a social media post.
The visit will strengthen Türkiye-Maldives partnership and cooperation, MNDF said in the post. However, the government has not revealed whether any agreement has been signed so far between the Maldives and Türkiye on defence ties.
President Muizzu's administration has maintained close diplomatic and military relations with Türkiye. The current government spent more than MVR 570 million to purchase drones from Türkiye's Baykar company for surveillance of Maldivian territorial waters.
However, the government refused to disclose the number of drones, the cost and other details.
Citing a reliable source, Adhadhu reported previously that the drones cost USD 37 million (MVR 570 million). The government purchased Bayraktar TB2 drones manufactured by Türkiye's Baykar company.
President Muizzu's maiden official overseas visit was also made to Turkiÿe, during which an agreement was made to import staples from the country. However, the first shipment of Turkish staples that the President said would arrive in February has yet to reach the Maldives.
