Minister of Home Affairs Imran Abdulla has stated that Turkey sets an example for the Maldives as an Islamic country. He made the remarks during a meeting with the Minister of the Interior Suleyman Soylu during his official trip to Turkey.
Minister Imran held official talks on behalf of the Government of the Maldives during his meeting with Minister Soylu. He was accompanied by Minister of State for Home Affairs Ali Nazeer.
At the meeting, Minister Imran discussed Turkey’s role in assisting the Maldives in civil security issues and further developing diplomatic relations between the two countries. The minister noted the longstanding relations between Turkey and the Maldives despite the geographic distance, due to the similarities between the two cultures due to the Islamic roots. He said that Turkey has been setting the example for the Maldives since it embraced Islam 900 years ago. He also praised the leadership of the President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Furthermore, Minister Imran highlighted the work done by the Government of the Maldives to counter religious extremism, terrorism, drug trafficking and requested Turkey’s assistance in developing human resources for the efforts. He also requested Turkey’s technical assistance in rehabilitating and releasing prisoners.
The Maldivian delegation has also been meeting with the Turkish government officials at institutions such as the police headquarters, police training centres, and prisons. The delegation is holding meetings with Turkish government officials to gain knowledge and experience as well as to request for assistance in key areas.