Turkish naval ship arrives in the Maldives

A Turkish naval ship has arrived in the Maldives.

The vessel that arrived is the Turkish Coast Guard ship Kınalıada. The ship is currently docked in Male'. Upon its arrival in the Maldives, the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) extended a warm welcome.

MNDF stated that the ship arrived in the Maldives on a 'goodwill' voyage. They added that this trip will further strengthen the military 'partnership' between the two countries and enhance the relationship between Turkey and the Maldives. However, MNDF did not disclose any further details regarding the ship's voyage to the Maldives.

Although there is no formal military or defense agreement between Turkey and the Maldives, the MNDF Air Corps utilizes UAVs manufactured in Turkey. Furthermore, the soldiers operating the UAVs were trained with Turkey's assistance.

Earlier this month, a diving dhoni that went reef fishing from M. Maduvvari with three people was located with the help of a UAV. UAVs are highly useful vehicles for the fishing industry. These UAVs will be used in rescue operations conducted to find missing fishermen and fishing vessels.