President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said that his recent discussions with Malaysian leaders have opened new opportunities to strengthen the longstanding relationship between the Maldives and Malaysia across a range of sectors.
The President, who is currently on an official visit to Malaysia, held bilateral talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Following their meeting, both leaders delivered a joint press statement outlining the outcomes of their discussions.
Speaking at the press conference, President Muizzu expressed his sincere appreciation to Malaysia for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation. He also reflected on the enduring friendship between the two nations, highlighting Malaysia’s continuous support over the 57 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties.
President Muizzu acknowledged Malaysia’s vital contribution to the development of Maldivian human resources, particularly through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP), which has played a key role in training civil servants. He noted that more than 600 Maldivian students have so far benefited from scholarships to pursue higher education in Malaysia.
The President shared that the two countries had signed several new agreements aimed at boosting cooperation in diverse sectors, including health, tourism, sports, financial services, and diplomatic training. He expressed optimism that the agreements would significantly benefit the Maldives and pave the way for enhanced collaboration in additional fields.
Looking ahead, President Muizzu said there was strong potential to deepen ties in areas such as defence, information technology, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. He stressed the importance of encouraging Malaysian investors to explore opportunities in the Maldives, particularly within the Special Economic Zone, and in the growing digital, maritime, and financial sectors of the Maldivian economy.
President Muizzu also extended his gratitude to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for accepting his invitation to participate in the upcoming Maldives Investment Forum, where further opportunities for collaboration will be showcased.
In addition to economic and developmental issues, the discussions also touched on environmental matters, with President Muizzu reaffirming the Maldives’ commitment to addressing climate change. He invited Prime Minister Anwar to make an official visit to the Maldives in the near future.
President Muizzu’s official visit to Malaysia is set to conclude on April 30.
