President graces handover ceremony of Türkiye Navy ship gifted to MNDF

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on Thursday presided over a ceremony in Hulhumalé marking the handover of the Dharumavantha, a warship donated to the Maldives by Türkiye and the largest vessel in the history of the Maldives National Defence Force.

The event, held at the Malé Port Limited area, began with Defence Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon and Chief of Defence Force Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Hilmy welcoming the president. Turkish Navy Fleet Commander Adm. Kadir Yildiz formally transferred the vessel to Maj. Gen. Hilmy, who accepted it on behalf of the MNDF.

President Muizzu unveiled the ship’s nameplate, watched a video presentation and signed its guest book. Maldivian officials said the addition of the Dharumavantha strengthens the nation’s maritime security and underscores its commitment to stability in the Indian Ocean.