Maldives and Malaysia Pledge Closer Cooperation at Joint Press Conference

During a Joint Press Conference today, the Maldives and Malaysia reaffirmed their enduring friendship and commitment to closer cooperation, emphasising shared values, economic collaboration, and support for global peace efforts.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu is currently on an official visit to Malaysia, at the invitation of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. He will return to the Maldives on April 30, after completing the four-day trip.

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In his statement, President Dr Muizzu highlighted the deep-rooted ties between the two countries, citing their shared Islamic faith, mutual respect, and longstanding goodwill. 

“The Maldives and Malaysia are bound by shared values, mutual respect, and a strong foundation of Islamic faith,” he stated.

The President also highlighted the potential for enhanced economic cooperation, inviting Malaysian investors to explore opportunities in the Maldives, particularly in Special Economic Zones, business sectors, financial services, the maritime economy, and the growing digital economy.

The Maldives expressed strong admiration for Malaysia’s principled stance on the Palestinian cause. Both leaders reaffirmed their unwavering support for the Palestinian people’s legitimate pursuit of statehood, reflecting a shared commitment to justice and peace.

In his remarks, the President shared his vision of transforming the Maldives-Malaysia partnership through high-level exchanges and meaningful engagements, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties. 

Expressing optimism about the outcomes of the visit, President Dr Muizzu expressed confidence that the visit would serve as a catalyst for stronger bilateral ties and meaningful progress in the years ahead.

In conclusion, President Dr Muizzu assured that the Maldives would continue to stand as a “true friend of Malaysia,” committed to a shared vision of development, peace, and stability for both nations and the wider region.

Key Agreements, MoUs and MoEs Signed

During this trip, the Maldivian and Malaysian governments signed key Agreements, Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), and Exchanges of Notes (EoNs) between the governments of the Maldives and Malaysia.

According to the President’s Office, Dr Abdulla Khaleel, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives, and Puan Hannah Yeoh, the Minister of Youth and Sports of Malaysia, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Sports. This MoU aims to strengthen collaboration between sports organisations, promote the exchange of sporting events, support the development of sports facilities, enhance athlete and official training, and encourage cooperation in anti-doping, sports medicine, and rehabilitation.

Dr Abdulla Khaleel also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, the Minister of Health of Malaysia, focusing on health cooperation. This MoU seeks to enhance collaboration in human resource development, improve health service delivery systems, promote health tourism, and advance health information technology.

In a separate agreement, Dr Mariyam Shabeena Ahmed, the High Commissioner of the Republic of Maldives in Malaysia, and Tuan Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture of Malaysia, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Tourism Cooperation. This MoU aims to promote and market tourism, support the development of Muslim-friendly tourism, foster community-based and eco-tourism initiatives, and develop cultural resources as tourist attractions.

Dr Mariyam Shabeena Ahmed and Mohamed Alamin, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia, exchanged an Exchange of Notes (EoNs) on Cooperation for Diplomatic Training. This EoNs will facilitate collaboration between the Foreign Service Institute of the Maldives and Malaysia’s Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations.

Additionally, Dr Mariyam Shabeena Ahmed and Mohamed Alamin exchanged another EoNs on the Establishment of Bilateral Consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives and Malaysia. This agreement aims to establish regular consultations to strengthen bilateral relations, enhance cooperation in political, economic, social, and other areas of mutual interest, and coordinate on regional and international issues within the framework of the United Nations and other international organisations.