MALÉ – Malaysia and the Maldives have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in defence, Islamic affairs, finance and energy following talks between Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.
The two leaders witnessed the exchange of two Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) after their bilateral meeting, covering cooperation in defence and Islamic affairs.
Anwar said the agreements reflected the close relationship between the two countries and were among the outcomes of discussions aimed at expanding bilateral ties.
The leaders subsequently held a joint press conference, where Anwar proposed accelerating the Malaysia-Maldives Joint Commission Meeting. He said the meeting could be used to address outstanding matters and establish practical measures to broaden cooperation between the two countries.
Malaysia has also agreed in principle to support a request from the Maldives Monetary Authority for a financial facility worth US$100 million.
According to Anwar, Bank Negara Malaysia and the Maldives Monetary Authority will determine the mechanisms and processes required to implement the facility.
The proposed financial support forms part of wider discussions on economic cooperation between the two countries. Further details on the implementation arrangements are expected to be worked out by the respective monetary authorities.
Energy cooperation was another area raised by Anwar, who said he would discuss with PETRONAS a proposal to explore potential opportunities in the Maldives.
The proposal could open another area of engagement between Malaysia and the Maldives, alongside existing cooperation in sectors including trade, investment, tourism, education, technology and other fields discussed during the bilateral engagement.
Climate change was also addressed during the leaders’ discussions. Anwar said Malaysia and the Maldives shared a position on the importance of implementing international commitments aimed at tackling the effects of climate change.
He highlighted the need for pledged climate financing to reach countries most affected by the impacts of climate change, identifying the Maldives among nations facing significant exposure to those risks.
The issue has particular relevance to the Maldives, an archipelagic country made up of more than 1,000 islands and vulnerable to rising sea levels and other effects associated with climate change.
Anwar said Malaysia and the Maldives would continue to support international efforts concerning the Palestinian people.
Both countries, he said, maintained their opposition to the occupation, atrocities and violations of humanitarian principles in Gaza.
Anwar also expressed appreciation for Muizzu’s position on the Palestinian issue, particularly his advocacy for justice, freedom and the rights of the Palestinian people.
The latest agreements form part of broader efforts by Kuala Lumpur and Malé to deepen bilateral relations. The discussions covered both immediate areas of cooperation and longer-term opportunities involving finance, energy and other strategic sectors.
The proposed Joint Commission meeting is expected to provide a platform for officials from both countries to follow up on issues raised by the leaders and develop concrete measures arising from the bilateral discussions.
The financial facility and potential energy cooperation would add economic dimensions to a relationship that also includes diplomatic, defence and religious ties.
For Malaysia and the Maldives, the discussions also provided an opportunity to coordinate positions on wider international concerns, particularly climate change and the situation in Gaza.
Anwar said the two countries would continue working together on areas of shared interest, while seeking to turn the understandings reached during the visit into practical cooperation.
