The Republic of Maldives has officially inaugurated its first resident Embassy in Türkiye, to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

The inauguration ceremony, which took place on April 15, at the newly established Embassy in Ankara, was attended by key dignitaries, including Foreign Minister Dr Abdulla Khaleel, and Türkiye’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy. The flag hoisting ceremony was led by the two ministers alongside the Maldivian Ambassador to Türkiye, Lieutenant General (Retd) Abdul Raheem Abdul Latheef.

The new embassy is a significant milestone in the growing diplomatic ties between the Maldives and Türkiye. According to Minister Dr Khaleel, the embassy will play a crucial role in enhancing bilateral cooperation, fostering economic growth, and strengthening cultural and people-to-people links between the two nations. It will also provide consular services to the increasing number of Maldivians residing in Türkiye.

Turkish Minister Ersoy acknowledged the longstanding and sincere relations between the two countries, noting that these ties have expanded across multiple sectors, including tourism, culture, economy, and education.

Also in attendance were Honourable Dr Ümmügülşhen Öztürk, Chairperson of the Maldives-Türkiye Interparliamentary Friendship Group, Dr Hala Hameed, Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Senior Under Secretary Hassan Hussain Shihab, senior officials from the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, local business leaders, members of the media, and the Maldivian community in Türkiye.