PM Anwar Pledges Stronger Malaysia-Maldives Strategic Partnership
Malaysian PM giving his remarks during a state-luncheon held in his honor by president Muizzu and the first lady.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has pledged to strengthen Malaysia’s strategic partnership with the Maldives, describing the two countries as trusted friends with shared aspirations and values.
Speaking at a state luncheon hosted by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed today in honor of his two-day state visit to the Maldives, PM Anwar said Malaysia considered its strategic partnership with the Maldives important and would continue to support closer cooperation between the two countries.
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Anwar said the two countries should work together despite their differences in size, stressing the importance of good governance, responsibility in international affairs and defending what is right.
The prime minister further said that smaller countries should not be discouraged by their size and should instead work together to advance their interests and contribute responsibly to international affairs.
As part of efforts to deepen bilateral ties, Anwar said Malaysia and the Maldives would establish a Joint Commission, which the two countries have not previously held.
He said Malaysia would host the commission and that both governments had instructed their respective ministries to work towards holding the meeting before the end of this year.
Anwar also reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to financial cooperation with the Maldives, saying Malaysia had agreed to the currency swap arrangement requested by the Maldives.
He said he had spoken to the Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia to accelerate the process and facilitate the necessary arrangements.
Beyond financial cooperation, Anwar identified education, mental health and support for persons with disabilities as areas where Malaysia could assist the Maldives.
He said such cooperation reflected Malaysia’s MADANI framework, which places emphasis on care and compassion.
Speaking on climate change, he expressed support for the Maldives’ concerns over the pressing issue, saying the country should be more vocal in its efforts to protect its people and its right to survive as a nation.
He said the Maldives had contributed little to global carbon emissions and environmental degradation but was among the countries facing the consequences of emissions from industrialised nations.
Anwar criticised the failure of some countries to fulfil commitments made at successive climate conferences and said vulnerable countries needed to strengthen their calls for action.
He said Malaysia shared the Maldives’ concerns and would work with the country in advancing its interests on climate change.
Anwar also highlighted Malaysia’s own environmental challenges, noting that around 54% of the country remains covered by forests and jungle despite its status as a developing economy.
