Maldives president denies missile deal linked to Turkish ship
The vessel, identified by Turkish media as TCG Volkan (P-343), is reportedly missile-capable.
President Mohamed Muizzu has firmly denied claims that the Maldivian government is purchasing missiles to arm a naval vessel being donated by Turkey, calling the rumors "empty lies."
Speaking at a press conference held at the Presidential Office on Saturday, President Muizzu addressed public speculation following Turkey's announcement to donate a military ship to the Maldives. The vessel, identified by Turkish media as TCG Volkan (P-343), is reportedly missile-capable.
When questioned by a journalist about whether a Turkish missile company official had met him and if missiles were being purchased for the vessel, President Muizzu was unequivocal in his response.
"I met a foreign ambassador who came to meet me and he was very concerned about the missile. I said no, these are empty lies. We are not going to buy missiles. We are not going to buy missiles," he repeated.
President Muizzu emphasized that the vessel is being given to the Maldives as part of its strengthening bilateral ties with Turkey and reiterated that there are no weapons involved in the deal.
"It is a size that does not exist in Maldives so far… we did not have to spend any money. We did not buy a missile for it. It does not have a missile installed," he clarified.
The President also acknowledged that the head of a Turkish arms company is a personal friend, but dismissed any suggestion that their relationship influenced government decisions.
“This has nothing to do with what I do in office,” he stated.
President Muizzu also highlighted the need to develop the capacity of the Maldivian armed forces, noting that the military had been sidelined for over two decades. He stressed that the vessel will help improve national defence capabilities, but not through the purchase of offensive weaponry.
The donation of the TCG Volkan is part of a broader defence cooperation agreement between the Maldives and Turkey, according to Turkish state news outlet Anadolu Agency. However, concerns had arisen over the military nature of the vessel and whether it might shift the Maldives’ traditionally defensive stance.
