Maldives and Malaysia have agreed to broaden cooperation across finance, trade, defence, healthcare, education, tourism, Islamic affairs and technology during Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s two-day State Visit to the Maldives.
Anwar arrived in the Maldives on the evening of Monday, September 14, at the invitation of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. President Muizzu received him at Velana International Airport, marking the beginning of Anwar’s first visit to the Maldives since becoming Prime Minister in November 2022.
The main programme took place on Tuesday, September 15, beginning with a ceremonial welcome at Republic Square in Malé. President Muizzu formally received the Malaysian Prime Minister at the ceremony, which included a cultural performance by students of Dharumavantha School, a 21-gun salute, the national anthems of both countries and a Guard of Honour.
The two leaders subsequently held official talks at the President’s Office, where they reviewed the 58-year relationship between the Maldives and Malaysia and discussed ways to expand bilateral cooperation.
Their discussions covered trade and investment, defence, healthcare, education, tourism, Islamic affairs, renewable energy, digital infrastructure and other areas of mutual interest. They also exchanged views on regional and international developments, including the situation in Palestine and climate change.
USD 100 million currency swap agreed
One of the key outcomes of the visit was Malaysia’s agreement in principle to provide a USD 100 million currency swap facility to the Maldives through the two countries’ central banks.
Anwar said Malaysia had agreed to support the facility requested by the Maldives Monetary Authority, while the MMA and Bank Negara Malaysia will work out the technical mechanism and procedures required to finalise the arrangement.
He said the decision reflected the trust and friendship between the two countries and expressed hope that the central banks would complete the necessary work as soon as possible.
The currency swap was also welcomed by President Muizzu, who expressed gratitude to the Malaysian Government for agreeing to extend the facility.
Defence and Islamic affairs agreements
The two countries also strengthened institutional cooperation through the exchange of two Memoranda of Understanding.
One MoU establishes a framework for cooperation between the Maldivian Ministry of Defence and Malaysia’s Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry in defence-related matters.
The second agreement provides a framework for cooperation between the Maldivian Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Malaysia’s Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry in the field of Islamic affairs.
The agreements were witnessed by President Muizzu and Prime Minister Anwar at the President’s Office.
The two sides also agreed to begin negotiations towards a Preferential Trade Agreement, opening the way for discussions aimed at expanding trade and economic links between the two countries.
President Muizzu said the Maldives also hopes to expand cooperation with Malaysia in Islamic finance, the halal industry, tourism, construction, renewable energy and digital infrastructure.
Support for Maldivian students and patients
Education and healthcare were also prominent in the discussions.
Anwar said Malaysia would work to resolve administrative difficulties affecting Maldivian students and people travelling to Malaysia for medical treatment.
More than 2,000 Maldivian students are currently studying in Malaysia, according to the Malaysian Prime Minister, highlighting the importance of the country to Maldivian higher education.
Malaysia also agreed to include the Maldives in its Graduate Pass Scheme, while the two sides discussed expanding access to scholarships and facilitating travel and visa arrangements.
President Muizzu specifically expressed appreciation for Malaysia’s decision to facilitate visas, particularly for families travelling with children who require special assistance.
The two governments also agreed to improve consular support and streamline visa arrangements between the countries.
New mechanism to strengthen bilateral relations
Anwar said the two governments had discussed establishing or strengthening a high-level joint commission as a mechanism for maintaining regular consultations and advancing bilateral cooperation.
He expressed hope that the commission could hold its first meeting in Kuala Lumpur before the end of this year.
The Malaysian Prime Minister also said outstanding issues affecting the Malaysian diplomatic mission in the Maldives could be addressed through the joint mechanism. He noted that Malaysia is relocating many of its embassies to Putrajaya and said the related arrangements could be resolved through continued bilateral discussions.
President Muizzu described the relationship between the two countries as extending well beyond their formal diplomatic ties.
The Maldives and Malaysia established diplomatic relations in 1968, and the two countries are marking 58 years of official relations this year.
At a State Luncheon hosted by President Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed in Anwar’s honour, the President said the relationship between the two peoples had developed across generations through education, personal connections and the many Maldivians who have lived and studied in Malaysia.
Malaysia backs Maldives on climate and energy
Climate change and environmental protection were also discussed during the visit, with both sides expressing interest in closer cooperation on climate issues and ocean protection.
President Muizzu highlighted the importance of working with Malaysia at international forums on climate change and securing climate finance for vulnerable island nations.
The two countries also discussed cooperation ahead of COP31, including efforts to protect the interests of Small Island Developing States and keep the 1.5-degree Celsius temperature goal within reach.
The Maldives also welcomed Malaysia’s consideration of assistance through its state-owned energy company PETRONAS.
President Muizzu has proposed that PETRONAS assist in studying the potential presence of oil and mineral resources within Maldivian territory. Anwar said he would discuss the proposal with PETRONAS and explore what assistance could be provided.
Shared position on Palestine
The two leaders also highlighted similarities in their positions on international affairs, particularly the Palestinian issue.
Anwar praised the Maldives for its position in support of Palestinian rights and said Malaysia and the Maldives would continue to work closely on the issue.
He criticised the continued loss of civilian lives and destruction in Gaza and said both countries should continue advocating for justice, freedom and respect for international principles.
The two governments also agreed to maintain regular consultations through international and multilateral organisations, including the United Nations, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and Commonwealth.
State luncheon highlights people-to-people ties
President Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed hosted a State Luncheon in honour of Prime Minister Anwar, attended by senior officials, members of the Malaysian delegation, state dignitaries and members of the diplomatic corps.
In his remarks, President Muizzu highlighted Malaysia’s economic and social development as an example of how a country can pursue modernisation while maintaining its national identity.
He said the Maldives was similarly seeking to advance education, skills development, digitalisation and technology while building economic resilience.
The President also thanked Malaysia for its continued financial, educational and technical support, including assistance provided through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme and scholarships.
Courtesy calls and conclusion of the visit
During the visit, Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef, Speaker of the People’s Majlis Abdul Raheem Abdulla and Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam separately paid courtesy calls on the Malaysian Prime Minister.
Following the official programme, Anwar departed the Maldives on Tuesday, September 15.
Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam formally saw him off at Velana International Airport, bringing the two-day State Visit to an end.
The visit produced agreements and commitments covering finance, defence, Islamic affairs, trade, education, healthcare, tourism, climate action, energy and digital development, adding new areas of cooperation to the 58-year relationship between the Maldives and Malaysia.
Both governments have also signalled their intention to maintain high-level engagement through a joint commission and continued bilateral consultations, with Kuala Lumpur expected to host the commission’s first meeting before the end of 2026.
