Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Abdulla Khaleel, actively engaged in a series of strategic diplomatic meetings during his visit to Türkiye for the fourth Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF), held from 11–13 April 2025. At the special invitation of Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Dr Khaleel’s participation highlighted the Maldives’ efforts to expand its international partnerships, particularly in tourism, trade, and sustainable development.
During his official engagements, Dr Khaleel met with Türkiye’s Minister of Trade, Prof Dr Ömer Bolat, to explore new opportunities to enhance economic and trade collaboration between the Maldives and Türkiye. A separate meeting with Türkiye’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, underscored the shared vision to boost cooperation in the tourism sector, reinforcing Maldives’ position as one of the world’s most sought-after holiday destinations.
As part of his multilateral outreach, Dr Khaleel held productive discussions with several other foreign counterparts on the sidelines of the forum. His meeting with Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Péter Szijjártó, reaffirmed the growing partnership between the two nations, with both sides committing to stronger diplomatic and economic engagement.
Dr Khaleel also met with the Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan to review recent bilateral consultations and discuss ways to strengthen economic ties. Conversations with The Gambia’s Foreign Minister, Dr Mamadou Tangara, focused on deepening cooperation in international platforms and expanding bilateral ties.
The Maldives also reinforced its connections with African nations. In talks with Angola’s Minister for External Relations, Téte António, and Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, discussions revolved around sustainable tourism, climate resilience, and trade sectors of mutual interest that align with the Maldives’ developmental priorities.
Adding to his diplomatic engagements, Dr Khaleel participated in a high-level panel discussion titled “Geostrategic Dynamics in the Asia-Pacific,” sharing the Maldives’ perspectives on regional cooperation and global peace efforts.
Dr Khaleel’s engagements at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum reflect the Maldives’ growing influence in international diplomacy. His efforts to strengthen partnerships in tourism, trade, and environmental sustainability are a testament to the Maldives’ commitment to building resilient and mutually beneficial relationships with nations across the world, offering travelers a deeper appreciation of the Maldives not only as a dream destination, but as a proactive contributor to global progress.
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