Maldives-Türkiye Ties Strengthen as Defence Collaboration Deepens

President Mohamed Muizzu revealed that the drones recently introduced into the Maldives National Defence Force's (MNDF) Air Corps were a grant aid from Türkiye. The announcement was made at a ceremony in Maafaru, Noonu Atoll, highlighting deepening Maldives-Türkiye ties. The drone acquisition had been controversial, with the government not disclosing financial details. President Muizzu's relationship with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, including an invitation after his election, has been a cornerstone of the defense collaboration. Local media reported the agreement to be worth around US$37 million. The Defence Ministry has not provided further details under the Right to Information Act. The initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance self-reliance in defense, including plans to double the Coastguard fleet. Critics have raised concerns about transparency and fiscal responsibility.

President Mohamed Muizzu revealed that the drones recently introduced into the Maldives National Defence Force's (MNDF) Air Corps were a grant aid from Türkiye. The announcement was made at a ceremony in Maafaru, Noonu Atoll, highlighting deepening Maldives-Türkiye ties. The drone acquisition had been controversial, with the government not disclosing financial details. President Muizzu's relationship with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, including an invitation after his election, has been a cornerstone of the defense collaboration. Local media reported the agreement to be worth around US$37 million. The Defence Ministry has not provided further details under the Right to Information Act. The initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance self-reliance in defense, including plans to double the Coastguard fleet. Critics have raised concerns about transparency and fiscal responsibility.

President Mohamed Muizzu revealed that the drones recently introduced into the Maldives National Defence Force's (MNDF) Air Corps were a grant aid from Türkiye. The announcement was made at a ceremony in Maafaru, Noonu Atoll, highlighting deepening Maldives-Türkiye ties. The drone acquisition had been controversial, with the government not disclosing financial details. President Muizzu's relationship with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, including an invitation after his election, has been a cornerstone of the defense collaboration. Local media reported the agreement to be worth around US$37 million. The Defence Ministry has not provided further details under the Right to Information Act. The initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance self-reliance in defense, including plans to double the Coastguard fleet. Critics have raised concerns about transparency and fiscal responsibility.

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