The Maldives opened its first resident embassy in Türkiye on Tuesday, in a move aimed at deepening diplomatic ties between the two countries.
Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel raised the national flag at a ceremony in Ankara, alongside Türkiye’s Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy and Maldivian Ambassador to Türkiye, Lieutenant General (Retired) Abdul Raheem Abdul Latheef.
“It is with great pride that we officially inaugurate the first resident Embassy of the Maldives in Ankara, Türkiye, today,” Khaleel said in a post on the social media platform X. He described the opening as a new chapter in bilateral relations and a commitment to stronger cooperation and people-to-people contact.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Ümmügülşhen Öztürk, Chairperson of the Maldives–Türkiye Interparliamentary Friendship Group, senior officials from Türkiye’s foreign ministry, business representatives, Turkish media, embassy staff, and members of the Maldivian community in Ankara.
In his remarks, Ersoy highlighted the long-standing friendship between the two countries and said their ties had expanded across tourism, culture, economy and education.
Khaleel said the embassy reflected the growing relationship and would serve as a platform to enhance cooperation, drive economic growth and promote cultural exchange.
According to a statement from the Maldivian foreign ministry, the mission will also support the implementation of the country’s foreign policy, provide consular services to the expanding Maldivian diaspora in Türkiye, and pursue new opportunities for bilateral and multilateral engagement.