Maldives President highlights growing Maldives–Türkiye relations in Republic Day message

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has extended Republic Day greetings to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, highlighting the growth in bilateral relations between the Maldives and Türkiye over the past three years.

In his message marking Türkiye’s Republic Day on 29 October, President Muizzu conveyed the greetings and best wishes of the Maldivian government and people to Erdoğan, the Turkish government and the people of Türkiye.

The President described the occasion as a reflection of Türkiye’s resilience and unity, celebrating more than a century of national sovereignty, progress and commitment to the principles on which the republic was founded.

He also highlighted the progress made in relations between the two countries, saying the “remarkable momentum and growth” in bilateral ties over the past three years demonstrated their shared commitment to strengthening longstanding friendship and cooperation.

The President said he looked forward to meeting Erdoğan during his planned visit to Antalya in November to attend the high-level segment of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31).

He added that the meeting would provide an opportunity to review bilateral relations and explore further areas of cooperation.

Diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Türkiye were established on 28 May 1979. Ties have expanded across areas including trade, investment, security, education and cultural exchange.

A significant recent development was the Maldives–Türkiye Preferential Trade Agreement, which officially entered into force on 1 August 2026, following its signing in November 2024.

The agreement is intended to strengthen economic cooperation and trade between the two countries.

The Maldives also established its first resident embassy in Ankara in 2024, with the mission formally inaugurated in April 2025, marking a further step in strengthening diplomatic and economic engagement.

The two countries have continued to pursue closer cooperation through high-level exchanges and agreements covering areas including disaster risk management, security cooperation and human resource development.