The Maldives and Türkiye have discussed expanding cooperation in youth development and sports, including athlete and coach training, sports science, talent development and opportunities for exchanges and scholarships.
Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Fitness Abdulla Rafiu held discussions with Türkiye’s Minister of Youth and Sports Dr Osman Aşkın Bak on the sidelines of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Youth Capital 2026 programme in Konya.
The ministers reviewed progress towards a planned memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two ministries, with Bak pledging to prioritise the agreement and accelerate the necessary review procedures to facilitate its signing.
Under the proposed cooperation, Maldivian athletes could receive opportunities to attend high-level training camps at Türkiye’s training centres, while Maldivian coaches could receive specialised training drawing on Türkiye’s experience in sports including basketball and volleyball.
The discussions also covered sports talent development, sports science, sports for persons with disabilities and Paralympic development, alongside youth and athlete exchange programmes and scholarship opportunities.
The two sides further discussed establishing youth innovation hubs, developing regional youth and sports facilities, and using data and statistics to strengthen management in the youth and sports sectors.
Cooperation in public health and disease prevention programmes was also explored.
The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and creating further opportunities for Maldivian youth and athletes.
