- The Maldives and Malaysia exchanged two MoUs on defence and Islamic affairs during PM Anwar Ibrahim's State Visit.
- The defence agreement covers maritime safety, security and training, relevant to the Maldives' extensive maritime territory.
- The deals build on five MoUs signed in April 2025 and diplomatic ties dating to 1968.
The Maldives and Malaysia have established new frameworks for cooperation in maritime security, defence training and Islamic affairs through two Memoranda of Understanding exchanged during Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s State Visit.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and Prime Minister Anwar witnessed the exchange of the agreements at the President’s Office on Tuesday, following official talks between the two leaders.
The defence MoU was exchanged by Maldivian Defence Minister Hassan Rasheed and Malaysian Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Johari Abdul Ghani. It provides a framework for bilateral engagement on defence-related matters.
Prime Minister Anwar later said cooperation under the agreement would extend to maritime safety and security, as well as training. The focus is particularly relevant to the Maldives as an island nation with an extensive maritime territory.
A second MoU covering Islamic affairs was exchanged by Islamic Affairs Minister Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed and Minister Johari. Prime Minister Anwar identified halal affairs, dakwah, waqf, Hajj and other matters concerning Muslims as potential areas of cooperation.
The latest agreements expand the institutional scope of relations between the Maldives and Malaysia. During President Dr Muizzu’s official visit to Malaysia in April 2025, the two countries exchanged five MoUs covering tourism, healthcare, sports development, diplomatic training and bilateral consultations.
The two countries established diplomatic relations in 1968 and have maintained cooperation through government engagement, development partnerships and people-to-people ties.
