Maldives remains grateful for the continuous support the government of Turkey has provided to enhance the island nation’s military capabilities, says President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

The president said this while speaking at the ceremony held at Maafaru International Airport in Noonu atoll on Friday, to launch the Maldives National Defence Force's (MNDF) Air Corps and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).

Taking the podium at the event, the president expressed gratitude to the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for the unceasing assistance his government has provided in expanding the Maldives' military capabilities.

Shedding light on the commencement of surveilling the Maldivian waters for the first time using UAVs, the president noted that the President of Turkey has played a pivotal role in realizing this goal.

Highlighting that Maldives received three UAVs, President Muizzu expressed hope to see the number increase through the close bilateral ties enjoyed between the two countries.

Muizzu noted that most of it was received through grant aid from Turkey.

In addition to this, he shed light on the administration's efforts to double the Coast Guard fleet by adding vessels of all sizes and expanding military capabilities through its close bonds with Turkey as well as other friendly countries.