The Government of Maldives has dispatched the first batch of the 500,000 cans of tuna donated to Turkey as humanitarian aid.

The first batch of the tuna cans were dispatched on Saturday.

This is following a decision made by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on 10 February 2023 to extend humanitarian and relief aid to the distressed people of Turkey after the devastating earthquake that hit the region on 6 February 2023.

Foreign Secretary Ahmed Latheef handed over the humanitarian aid on behalf of the Maldivian government.

The aid was seen off from Velana International Airport to Turkey by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Honorary Consulate of Turkey in Maldives.

The aid is being airlifted by Turkish Airlines in 5 batches and the transfer is expected to be completed by 10th March 2023.

Speaking on the donation, Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid stated that this donation is a demonstration of the country's solidarity with the people of Turkey and Syria.

He expressed hope that this small contribution will bring a sense of comfort and support to those affected.