The new president of Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu, began his first official visit to Turkey, marking a departure from the usual tradition observed by newly sworn-in leaders in neighbouring countries. Unlike the typical visit to India, Muizzu chose Turkey for his first diplomatic engagement.

During his visit, Mohamed Muizzu plans to meet with senior Turkish government officials to discuss opportunities for collaboration and strengthen diplomatic relations between the two nations. The President of Maldives, accompanied by a high-level delegation, is joined by the First Lady for the visit to Turkey, as stated by the Maldives President’s Office.

Muizzu and Sajidha Mohamed are visiting Turkey at the invitation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as per the statement. Following the Turkey visit, Muizzu will proceed to the United Arab Emirates to participate in the United Nations Climate Change Conference – COP 28 scheduled for November 30. Upon completing his visits to Turkey and the UAE, Mohamed Muizzu will return to Maldives.

India provided a $136.6 million line of credit for the expansion, and with the assurance of additional funding from the UAE, Male doesn't have to approach New Delhi for another round of credit. Muizzu, deviating from the customary approach, embarked on diplomatic travels even before his presidential inauguration, with the primary objective of exploring alternative funding sources to reduce dependence on India. In a recent visit to the UAE earlier this month, he secured a commitment of $80 million from the Abu Dhabi Fund for the Male airport project.

In the statement, the Maldives President’s Office said, “The President will arrive in the Maldives after attending the United Nations Climate Change Conference- COP 28, to be held in the United Arab Emirates on November 30, 2023.”

Diplomatic ties between Turkey and Maldives were formally established in 1979, as reported by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The two nations, Turkey and Maldives, maintain a friendly relationship and actively collaborate on various international platforms, notably within the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Nepal's Prime Minister Prachanda, on his initial term, opted to make China his first official visit instead of India. However, following a tumultuous end to his initial premiership, he prioritized India as his first international visit during his subsequent two tenures as Prime Minister.

Image source: Hindustan Times