The government of Maldives is to establish an embassy in Ankara, Türkiye.

The decision was announced by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, following a meeting with his Cabinet of Ministers on Sunday.

The decision was reached following deliberations on a paper submitted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The establishment of an Embassy of Maldives in Ankara is expected to enhance bilateral relations and promote the political, economic and cultural ties between the two countries.

Some of the many reasons for the decision include the import of many essential commodities used by the people in their daily lives, as well as other important items from Türkiye.

It also comes as part of additional efforts to encourage investments from Turkey, to the Maldives and export Maldivian goods.

In addition to this, it also aims to cater to the increasing number of Maldivian students travelling to Turkey for higher education, as well as the number of Maldivian tourists eager to travel to Turkey.

Following the establishment of the Maldives Embassy in Ankara, consular services will be readily accessible as well.

Maldives and Turkey established diplomatic relations on 28 May 1979.

President Muizzu visited Turkey on November 26 on his first-ever official visit since assuming his presidential duties on November 17. In Turkey, the Maldivian leader held several fruitful engagements with multiple government officials and also held official talks with the President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.