Maldives dispatches first batch of humanitarian aid to Turkey

The first batch of tuna cans from the Maldivian government as humanitarian aid to Turkey has been dispatched on Saturday. 

The initial batch consisting of 500,000 cans of tuna has been sent in line with the decision made by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on 10 February 2023 to extend humanitarian and relief aid to the distressed people of Turkey after the devastating earthquake that hit the region on 6 February 2023.

A total of one million cans of tuna had been pledged to this cause. 

The aid was handed over on behalf of Maldives, by Foreign Secretary Ahmed Latheef. It was seen off from Velana International Airport by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Türkiye in Maldives.

According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the aid is being airlifted by Turkish Airlines in 5 batches and is expected to be completed by 10th March 2023.