Discussions have been held on increasing the frequency of Turkish Airlines flights to Maldives, in a bid to boost the country’s tourism sector.

The discussions were held during a courtesy call paid by Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, on President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on Monday.

The Turkish minister called on the Maldivian leader at the Presidential Guesthouse, as part of the latter’s ongoing official trip to Turkey.

The meeting saw the Turkish minister welcoming President Muizzu to Turkey and expressing his deep appreciation for the president’s acceptance of his invitation to visit Turkey.

Minister Mehmet had extended an invitation for the newly inaugurated president to visit Turkey during a meeting held in Maldives, as part of his visit to attend President Muizzu’s inauguration ceremony on November 17.

President Muizzu extended gratitude to the Turkish minister for his participation in the presidential inauguration.

The Maldivian leader shed light on the close bilateral relations that the Maldives and Turkey have been enjoying over the years and reflected on their shared history and mutual respect.

Minister Mehmet reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to enhance a stronger relationship and collaborate with the Maldives in areas of shared interest.

Discussions also revolved around the significance of increasing the frequency of Turkish Airlines flights to the Maldives with an aim to boost the island nation’s tourism sector.

Further they engaged in discussions regarding the potential for increased investments by Turkish companies in the Maldivian tourism industry and explored potential avenues for enhanced cooperation in sectors such as sustainable energy production.

In addition to this, views were exchanged on the government’s development agenda, mirroring a mutual commitment towards progress and prosperity.

President Muizzu is undertaking an official visit to Turkey at the invitation of the President of Turkey.

He is joined by his spouse, First Lady Sajidha Mohamed and a high-level delegation of senior government officials.

Diplomatic relations were established between Maldives and Türkiye on 28 May 1979. 2023 marks 44 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries.