Turkey

Atoll Times | 1 year, 1 month ago | tense

Maldives president denies missile deal linked to Turkish ship

President Mohamed Muizzu denied rumours that the Maldives is buying missiles for a naval vessel donated by Turkey, TCG Volkan (P-343). At a press conference on May 4, 2025, he called the claims 'empty lies' and reiterated that no missiles were purchased. The vessel is missile-capable but unarmed. The donation is part of defence cooperation with Turkey. Muizzu stressed the need to develop the armed forces' capacity without offensive weapons.

Maldives News Network | 1 year, 2 months ago | optimistic

Economic Minister Heads to Türkiye to Enhance Trade Partnerships

Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed departed for an official visit to Turkey to boost economic ties. He is scheduled to meet with international business leaders and Turkish business associates to expand trade partnerships and explore investment opportunities. The visit lasts three days. Maldives has strengthened relations with Turkey since President Muizzu took office, including a Preferential Trade Agreement and security cooperation.

Maldives News Network | 1 year, 3 months ago | neutral

UK, Europe, Türkiye poised to forge regional centre of attraction: Turkish FM

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that it is possible for the UK, certain European countries, and Turkey to create their own center of attraction in the region. He argued that the UK would not have left the EU if Turkey had joined in 2007-2008. He noted the EU's 800 billion euro 'ReArm Europe' program and highlighted Turkey's strong military. He said EU membership remains a strategic priority for Turkey but the EU does not appear to approach it similarly. On Ukraine, he said Turkey is ready to intensify mediation efforts.

Maldives Republic | 1 year, 10 months ago | optimistic

Maldives Will Implement China FTA in September; Pursuing Similar Agreements With Turkey, UK and India: President Muizzu

President Mohamed Muizzu announced that the Maldives-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will take effect in September, with similar agreements being pursued with Turkey, the UK, and India. The FTA with China covers duty relief on 7,897 items across nine sectors, including 298 fish species. Muizzu also revealed efforts for a currency swap agreement with China and India to address dollar shortages, and that China is expected to allow loan repayment over five years. The Export-Import Bank of China provided loans for development projects under the previous Yameen administration, and restructuring is underway. India rolled over US$200 million in loans, with US$50 million paid and a further US$50 million rollover requested. The UAE agreed to defer loan payments over five years. Muizzu claimed MVR 3.8 billion was paid on loans in the past eight months without debt monetisation.

Avas English | 2 years, 1 month ago | neutral

President and First Lady depart on an unofficial visit to Singapore

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed departed on an unofficial visit to Singapore. The President's Office did not disclose details due to the informal nature. This is Muizzu's second unofficial visit to Singapore since taking office in November 2024. His previous visit was on March 21. He has also made official visits to Turkey, UAE, and China.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 2 months ago | concerned

President Muizzu Defends Secrecy Around Drone Acquisition

President Mohamed Muizzu defended the secrecy surrounding the acquisition of military drones from Turkey, citing national security concerns. In an interview with Mihaaru News, he stated that military asset specifics are traditionally not disclosed, and advice from senior military officials supported this. The drones, Bayraktar TB2, were inaugurated at Maafaru International Airport, Noonu Atoll, on 15 March 2024. The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party alleged the drones were overpriced, claiming knowledge of financial irregularities. Muizzu highlighted that the acquisition involved a grant from Turkey and a discounted purchase, but transparency concerns remain.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 2 months ago | optimistic

Maldives Advances Economic Ties With Türkiye Through FTA Talks

Maldives and Türkiye held the first round of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks on March 20, 2024, initiated under President Muizzu. Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed highlighted the efforts. Previous FTA with China (2017) and ongoing negotiations with UK and Hong Kong. Maldives also part of SAFTA and SATIS (2006). Türkiye's support includes UAV donation and plans for an embassy.

Atoll Times | 2 years, 2 months ago | tense

Maldives pres cites national security to keep lid on Turkish drone deal

President Mohammed Muizzu stated that the government will not disclose details of the recent UAV purchase, citing national security, and denied any corruption. The drone service was launched on 16 March 2024 at N.Maafaru International Airport, where three UAVs were unveiled. The president indicated most equipment was donated by Turkey. The opposition MDP alleges the drones were bought at an inflated price to fund election campaigns.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 2 months ago | tense

Controversy Deepens Around Drone Acquisition as President’s Statements Conflict With Official Records

Controversy surrounds the Maldives National Defence Force's UAV acquisition from Turkish company Baykar. President Muizzu's office initially claimed he met no businessmen during his November 2023 Türkiye visit, but Muizzu later admitted meeting Baykar executives Selçuk and Haluk Bayraktar at a ceremony. The Maldives allocated approximately MVR 560 million from the state contingency budget for the drones without formal announcement. The lack of transparency and potential conflicts of interest (Bayraktar is son-in-law of Turkish President Erdogan) raise governance concerns.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 2 months ago | concerned

MDP Alleges ‘Shocking Corruption’ in Drone Acquisition

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has called for an investigation into alleged corruption in the procurement of Bayraktar TB2 drones from Türkiye by President Mohamed Muizzu's administration. Ahmed Easa, MP for Kendhikuludhoo and party spokesperson, stated at a press conference that the deal lacks transparency, noting that US$39 million was spent on two drones while a third was received as a grant. Easa also alleged that the government suspended 1,720 infrastructure projects in outer islands to fund the purchase. President Muizzu disclosed the grant on Friday. The MDP had previously accused the government of a 'huge scam' in the drone purchase, suggesting funds were diverted for election campaigning.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 2 months ago | optimistic

Muizzu Asserts Foreign Policy Direction Praising Türkiye’s Erdoğan as ‘Leader of Islamic Ummah’

President Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives has praised Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as the 'Leader of the Muslim World' during the inauguration of the Maldives National Defence Force's Air Corps and the launch of UAVs acquired from Türkiye. This move signals a redefined foreign policy, strengthening ties with Türkiye while potentially straining relations with Saudi Arabia, India, China, the UK, and the US. Muizzu emphasized Erdoğan's support in securing the UAVs through a grant. The shift may cause reassessments by regional powers and traditional allies, particularly India, which views the Maldives as a key security partner in the Indian Ocean. China, a major investor via the Belt and Road Initiative, may see Türkiye's influence as competitive but is expected to adapt.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 3 months ago | positive

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.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 3 months ago | positive

Maldives Launches Air Corps With Turkish-Made Drones to Boost Surveillance Capabilities

The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) inaugurated its Air Corps with three Bayraktar TB2 drones from Turkey at Maafaru International Airport on 15 March 2024. President Mohamed Muizzu presided over the event. The opposition Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) accused the government of financial impropriety and bypassing protocols, calling the procurement a "huge scam" financed through the contingency budget. The government defended the acquisition as necessary for round-the-clock surveillance of the Exclusive Economic Zone and combating drug trafficking. The UAVs have a 300 km range and precision strike capability.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 4 months ago | urgent

Palestinian Clubs Call to Ban Israel From Olympics; Turkish FM Condemns Israeli ‘Genocide’ in Gaza

Over 300 Palestinian sports clubs and civil society organizations called for a ban on Israel's participation in the Paris Olympics, citing violations of international law, apartheid, and genocide in Gaza. The recent killing of Palestinian Olympic football team coach Hani al-Masdar and destruction of the Palestinian Olympic committee office in Gaza fueled the demand. Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan condemned the genocide in Gaza and recalled Turkey's ambassador from Israel. Jordan's Foreign Minister urged Israel to allow displaced Palestinians to return. Survivors of the Bosnian genocide submitted an open letter to the ICJ. Israel's bombardment continued, with over 24,000 Palestinians killed and 70% of homes destroyed. Medical supplies brokered by Qatar and France were distributed, but humanitarian challenges persist due to Israeli restrictions.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 6 months ago | positive

Maldives to Open New Embassy in Ankara to Enhance Ties With Türkiye

The Maldives has announced plans to establish an embassy in Ankara, Türkiye, to enhance bilateral relations and promote political, economic, and cultural ties. The decision was made at a cabinet meeting chaired by President Mohamed Muizzu, following deliberations during his recent visit to Türkiye. Mohamed Firuzul, Undersecretary for Public Policy at the President's Office, stated the embassy will greatly benefit Maldivians in Türkiye and encourage Turkish investment. During Muizzu's visit, the two nations signed an 'Agreement on Trade and Economic Cooperation' between the governments. The Maldives and Türkiye established diplomatic relations on 28 May 1979.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 6 months ago | optimistic

Maldives, Türkiye Forge Economic Alliance With New Trade Agreement

The Maldives and Türkiye signed a trade and economic cooperation agreement in Ankara on 27 November 2023 during President Mohamed Muizzu's first official overseas visit. The agreement was signed by Minister Mohamed Saeed and Turkish Minister Ömer Bolat. Muizzu met with President Erdoğan, discussing expanding cooperation in trade, investment, renewable energy, and higher education. Türkiye offered 30 scholarships for Maldivian students starting January 2024. The Maldivian community raised issues about the lack of an embassy and BML's dollar transaction limit, which Muizzu pledged to resolve. First Lady Sajidha Mohamed signed the Zero Waste initiative led by Emine Erdoğan.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 7 months ago | urgent

Turkish President Urges Global Pressure on Israel for Ceasefire in Gaza

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged global pressure on Israel for a ceasefire in Gaza, denouncing Israel's actions as oppression and barbarism. He criticized the US and Western powers for supporting Israel, and commended UN Chief Antonio Guterres. Erdogan proposed a reciprocal release of hostages between Israel and Hamas, and highlighted Hamas's readiness to release civilians. He announced Turkey's willingness to intervene. Erdogan outlined plans for the upcoming OIC summit in Riyadh, focusing on Israeli aggression and a push for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. He called on Western countries to implement UN resolutions.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 7 months ago | neutral

President Erdoğan and President-Elect Muizzu Discuss Israel’s War in Gaza

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and President-elect Mohamed Muizzu discussed the situation in Palestine in a phone call. Erdoğan assured Muizzu of Ankara's efforts for peace and humanitarian aid. Muizzu condemned Israel's occupation of Palestine, calling for recognition of a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as capital and return of refugees. Erdoğan congratulated Muizzu on his election win. Diplomatic relations between Turkey and Maldives were established in 1979, and both are members of the UN and OIC.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 8 months ago | urgent

Suicide Bomb Attack Rocks Turkey Capital, Ahead of Parliament Session

A suicide bomb attack occurred in Ankara, Turkey, at 09:30 local time outside the Interior Ministry, just hours before the Turkish parliament was to reconvene. Two assailants used a hijacked vehicle from Kayseri, killing the driver. One detonated a bomb, injuring two police officers; the other was neutralized. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya declared it a terrorist attack. President Erdogan is scheduled to address parliament. The attack comes amid heightened security and ongoing parliamentary business, including ratification of Sweden's NATO membership, which Turkey approved in July.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 10 months ago | concerned

Google’s Earthquake Alert Failed to Reach Residents in Turkey

An investigation by BBC Newsnight revealed that Google's earthquake warning system failed to reach many Turkish residents before a deadly earthquake in February, which resulted in over 50,000 fatalities. The Android Earthquake Alert System uses phone accelerometers to detect shaking and can send warnings for earthquakes of magnitude 4.5 or greater. Google claims it sent alerts to millions before the first major quake, but the BBC found no one in three cities in the earthquake zone had received a warning. Critics question the system's reliability. Google's product lead Micah Berman asserted the system worked, but the company did not provide evidence of widespread receipt.