Deputy Speaker and Vice President of the Turkish Grand National Assembly Mr Nevzat Pakdil has paid a courtesy call on President Mohamed Nasheed and Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed.

Speaking at the meeting held this morning at the President’s Office, President Nasheed, Vice President Dr Waheed and Mr Pakdil discussed the ways of further strengthening the bilateral relations that exist between the two countries.

President Nasheed also noted that both the Maldives and Turkish governments were committed to democracy and a liberal society, and said that the Maldivian government wanted to align itself with the countries which have similar outlook towards democracy and governance. He also spoke on seeking Turkish assistance and expertise to preserve the historical documents in the Maldives.

At the meeting, Vice President Dr Waheed said that Turkey was being fast industrialised and stressed the need to increase cooperation between two countries in tourism and construction industries.

Deputy Speaker Mr Pakdil said that he would work to facilitate Turkish assistance in preserving historical documents in the Maldives. He also noted that the participation of the President and the Vice President in the official inauguration of Lale Youth International School showed the government’s commitment to the relations between the Maldives and Turkey.