The Vice President of the Republic of Maldives Dr. Mohamed Jameel Ahmed paid a courtesy call on the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia Tan Sri Dato’ Hj Muhyiddin Haj Mohd Yassin. The Deputy Prime Minister warmly welcomed the Vice President.

During the Call discussions focused on ways of strengthening bilateral cooperation between Maldives and Malaysia especially in the field of education and human resource development. In this regard, the Vice President noted that Malaysia is a hub for higher education for a large number of Maldivian students and also noted the huge alumni of Malaysian graduates in the Maldives in the judicial, legal and governance sectors.

Highlighting Malaysia’s significant contribution to human resources development of the Maldives, the Vice President outlined the difficulties faced by Maldivian students and their parents in obtaining long term visas for their stay in Malaysia. In this regard, the Vice President requested the establishment of an easier visa regime for Maldivians wishing to travel to Malaysia.

Responding to the Vice President, the Deputy Prime Minister suggested the conclusion of an MoU between the two countries to enhance bilateral ties in the education field. Deputy Prime Minister Yassin also highlighted Malaysia’s readiness in training professionals in areas critical for the Maldives. The two officials also discussed ways of developing trade and commerce between the two countries.

The Deputy Prime Minister also thanked the Vice President for the Maldives’ support to Malaysia’s candidature to the United Nations Security Council, elections for which were held recently. The two Officials also exchanged views on extending mutual support to each other’s initiatives in international forums.

The Call, which took place at the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister in Putrajaya, was attended by the High Commissioner of Maldives in Malaysia Mohamed Fayaz and Deputy High Commissioner Mr. Mohamed Fahmy Hassan. The Vice President is visiting Malaysia on invitation of the International Islamic University Malaysia’s Special Guest Lecturer at its Annual Global Forum.