The Maldives and Malaysia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations following a series of official engagements during President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s recent visit to Malaysia.
President Muizzu, who was warmly received by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, held official talks at Putra Perdana in Putrajaya. Discussions centred on enhancing cooperation across key sectors, with both leaders expressing optimism for the future of Maldives-Malaysia relations.
President Muizzu conveyed his appreciation for the hospitality extended to him and emphasised the need to maintain positive momentum in the countries’ partnership. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, in turn, welcomed the areas identified for collaboration, pledging Malaysia’s commitment to supporting these initiatives.
During the visit, several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and Exchanges of Notes (EoNs) were signed, covering fields such as sports, health, tourism, and diplomacy. Among them was an MoU on Cooperation in Sports, signed by the Maldives’ Foreign Minister Dr Abdulla Khaleel and Malaysia’s Minister of Youth and Sports Puan Hannah Yeoh. The agreement seeks to promote exchange programmes, develop sports infrastructure, and enhance anti-doping efforts.
In the healthcare sector, an MoU signed with Malaysia’s Minister of Health Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad aims to advance health services, promote health tourism, and improve human resource development. Meanwhile, the tourism MoU seeks to enhance Muslim-friendly tourism initiatives, support eco-tourism, and develop cultural resources as attractions.
Diplomatic cooperation was also strengthened with two Exchanges of Notes. These agreements will facilitate diplomat training and establish regular bilateral consultations between the two nations’ foreign ministries, promoting deeper collaboration on regional and international issues.
Speaking at a joint press conference, President Muizzu described the Maldives and Malaysia as bound by shared Islamic values and mutual respect. He invited Malaysian investors to explore opportunities in the Maldives’ Special Economic Zones, maritime economy, and digital sectors, noting “immense potential” for growth.
Both nations reaffirmed their support for the Palestinian cause, highlighting a shared commitment to justice and global peace efforts. President Muizzu also outlined a vision to elevate the Maldives-Malaysia partnership through high-level exchanges and continued meaningful engagements.
President Muizzu expressed confidence that the agreements and understandings reached would act as a catalyst for deeper and more meaningful relations in the years ahead, pledging that the Maldives would remain a true friend to Malaysia.
