The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives, Dr. Abdulla Khaleel, officially opened the Embassy of Maldives in Türkiye today in a ceremonial event held at the Embassy premises in Ankara. This marks the first resident diplomatic presence of the Maldives in Türkiye.
A flag hoisting ceremony was held at the Embassy to mark this occasion, led by Foreign Minister Dr. Khaleel, Minister of Culture and Tourism of Türkiye, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy and Ambassador of Maldives to Türkiye, Lieutenant General (Retd) Abdul Raheem Abdul Latheef. The Ceremony was also attended by Chairperson of the Maldives-Türkiye Interparliamentary Friendship Group, Honourable Dr. Ümmügülşhen Öztürk, senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye, member of the business community, Turkish media, staff of the Embassy and the resident Maldivian community in Ankara.
The establishment of the Embassy signals a bold new era of reinvigorated and strengthened diplomatic ties between the Maldives and Türkiye. It is expected to bring forth greater cooperation and collaboration between the two countries on the global stage.
The Embassy will play a crucial role in enhancing bilateral relations, promoting tourism, and facilitating trade and investment opportunities. It will also provide consular services to Maldivian nationals residing in Türkiye and support cultural and educational exchanges. This momentous occasion marks a significant step forward in the Maldives' diplomatic outreach and its efforts to build stronger international partnerships.