Türkiye

The Hawks Pvt Ltd Expands Global Footprint with New Istanbul Trading Office

The Hawks Pvt Ltd, Maldives' leading fuel and logistics company, has opened a new trading office in Istanbul, Türkiye, as part of its global expansion. The office will be led by seasoned bunker traders Cemil Ünsal and Göksu Mete. The company already has offices in Dubai, Singapore, Monaco, Shanghai, Kuala Lumpur, and Colombo, with physical supply operations in Maldives and Sri Lanka. This expansion strengthens Hawks' role as a bridge between East and West, enhancing access to European and Mediterranean markets.

Impact of Pakistan-Türkiye-Azerbaijan Axis on Eurasian Geopolitics

The article analyzes the geopolitical axis between Pakistan, Türkiye, and Azerbaijan, highlighting its basis in shared Islamic identity, conflicts with India and Armenia, and Türkiye's ambitions. The axis gained prominence during the India-Pakistan war from 7 to 10 May, triggered by a terror strike in Kashmir on 22 April, after which Türkiye and Azerbaijan openly backed Pakistan. India subsequently imposed an informal boycott of Turkish products. The axis is also supported by military cooperation, such as the use of Turkish drones by Pakistan. The article notes substantial trade between India and Türkiye (US$3.78 billion in 2023-24) and discusses the role of religion and territorial disputes. Also mentioned are the Second Karabakh War and the 'Three Brothers' military exercises in 2021.

Maldives Opens First Resident Embassy in Türkiye

On 15 April 2025, the Maldives opened its first resident embassy in Ankara, Türkiye, aiming to deepen diplomatic ties. Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel raised the national flag alongside Türkiye's Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy and Maldivian Ambassador Abdul Raheem Abdul Latheef. Khaleel described the opening as a new chapter in bilateral relations. Ersoy highlighted cooperation in tourism, culture, economy, and education. The embassy will support Maldives' foreign policy, provide consular services to the Maldivian diaspora, and pursue bilateral and multilateral engagement.

Maldives to Implement Free Trade Agreement with Türkiye in Early 2025

Maldives Economic Development Minister Mohamed Saeed announced that the free trade agreement with Türkiye, signed on November 4, will be implemented in the first quarter of 2025. The deal is expected to ease Maldivian fish exports to Türkiye and reduce trade barriers. Additionally, a separate FTA with China, initially signed in 2014, will take effect on January 1, 2025, projected to boost trade from $700 million to $1 billion. These agreements aim to strengthen Maldives' international trade presence.

Maldives, Türkiye Formalise PTA

The Maldives and Türkiye signed a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) on November 4, 2024, introducing tariff reductions for Maldivian exporters, especially in fisheries. The agreement, signed by Minister Mohamed Saeed and his Turkish counterpart Ömer Bolat, aims to strengthen trade relations and lower prices for Turkish products in Maldives. It was based on discussions during President Muizzu's visit to Türkiye in November 2023. The Maldives also signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with China effective January 1, 2025, and is reportedly negotiating an FTA with India.

Maldives-Türkiye FTA Drawn Up, Awaiting Turkish Parliament Approval

The Maldives-Türkiye Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has been finalized and is awaiting approval from the Turkish parliament. Minister Mohamed Saeed confirmed the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) was finalized last Thursday. He expects the FTA to be effective around December 2024 or January 2025. The Maldives requested concessions on 38 items, including yellowfin tuna, skipjack tuna, and dried fish. Türkiye is a major fish processor for Europe. Additionally, the Maldives will implement the 2018 FTA with China, with customs staff to be familiarized over two months.

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.

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-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 Establishes Embassy in Türkiye

Five Maldivian Families Repatriated From Camps in Syria

The Maldives government repatriated 21 individuals from five families of fighters who had traveled to Syria. Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihsan announced the operation. The individuals were moved via Türkiye on a chartered Beond Airline flight costing $120,000. Prior repatriation efforts involved police and the National Reintegration Centre in Himmafushi, Kaafu Atoll. President Muizzu's visit to Türkiye expedited talks. The group includes 15 children and six women. They will undergo rehabilitation and then be subject to criminal prosecution. The Anti-terror Act classifies Syrian conflict zones as banned; travel there carries 5-6 year sentences. Over 90 Maldivians in Syria have expressed desire to return. The Maldives has high per capita ISIS participation.

Maldives Initiates Operation to Repatriate Citizens in Syria

The Maldives government has chartered a flight to Türkiye to repatriate about 20 Maldivian citizens, mostly wives and children of fighters, from internment camps in Syria. The operation, conducted by the homeland security ministry and police, will place the returnees in the National Reintegration Centre in Hinmafushi, Kaafu Atoll for up to one year. Over 100 Maldivians have gone to Syria, with more than 70 killed. The Maldives has the world's second-highest per capita rate of ISIS fighters. Counter-terrorism measures include amendments to the Anti-Terrorism Act and Penal Code, and establishment of a Joint Interagency Operations Centre. Radicalisation is fueled by foreign preachers, Salafism, and street gangs in Malé.

President Muizzu Heads to Türkiye, UAE After Postponing Saudi Arabia Visit

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, along with First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, left for Türkiye on Sunday, 26 November 2023, for his first official visit abroad, breaking tradition of visiting neighboring countries. The visit follows an invitation from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to strengthen diplomatic ties. Earlier, a three-day visit to Saudi Arabia was postponed, with new dates to be announced. Communications Minister Ibrahim Khaleel confirmed the change. After Türkiye, President Muizzu will attend COP28 in the UAE starting 30 November 2023. The Saudi cabinet, chaired by King Salman, approved initiating trade agreement talks with the Maldives, involving the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Saudi's Economic Minister. The Maldives is seeking external funding from Middle Eastern countries.