Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey Sedat Önal and Maldives Foreign Secretary Abdul Ghafoor Mohamed have discussed on strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation between both countries.

During a courtesy call paid on the Foreign Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday, Deputy Minister Önal had conveyed greetings from Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu to Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid.

The meeting saw discussions held between the leaders on ways to further strengthen and enhance the existing relations between both countries in both bilateral and multilateral spheres such as tourism, trade, investment and security cooperation.

Deputy Minister Önal had expressed assurance on behalf of the government of Turkey, its commitment to reaffirm existing cooperation and expressed confidence that Turkey will extend support for future cooperation activities in the Maldives.

During the meeting, Foreign Secretary Ghafoor had expressed appreciation for the continued support that the Turkish government has been contributing to the capacity development of Maldives.

Further, he commended Turkey’s role in the international arena in consolidating global peace and its leadership in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.

Expressing that Maldives will greatly benefit from increased trade investments from Turkey, Foreign Secretary Ghafoor expressed hope to continue cooperation and to share views on key bilateral and multilateral issues of mutual concern.

The meeting was joined by Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Shiuneed Rasheed, Senior Desk Officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Aishath Zeeshan Zuhuree and Deputy Minister Önal was accompanied by Honorary Consul-General of Turkey in Maldives Ismail Hilmy, Deputy Director General Demet Çapanoğlu Şekercioğlu and Third Secretary, of the Ministry of Foreign Affair of Turkey Fatih Gündoğlu.

Also on Monday, US Ambassador to the Maldives, Alaina B. Teplitz had called on Foreign Secretary Ghafoor and held extensive discussions on enhancing the partnership on key areas like public finance management, security cooperation as well as increasing trade and investment opportunities between both countries.