Anwar visit strengthens Malaysia-Maldives ties, opens new economic opportunities
MALE: The exchange of memorandums of understanding (MoUs) on defence cooperation and Islamic affairs was among the key outcomes of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s two‑day official visit to the Maldives, which also opened broader avenues for economic, trade and human capital development.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's two-day official visit to the Maldives, which concluded on September 15, 2025, has strengthened bilateral ties and opened up new economic opportunities between the two countries.
During his visit, Anwar and Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu exchanged memorandums of understanding (MoUs) on defence cooperation and Islamic affairs. These agreements, signed in the presence of both leaders, cover areas such as maritime security, training, the defence industry, Islamic education, the halal sector, religious administration, waqf, haj, and human development.
Anwar sees these MoUs as a means to leverage the respective strengths of Malaysia and the Maldives, while also providing opportunities for collaboration in various sectors. The visit also focused on expanding economic and trade ties, with discussions on a proposed Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) to be studied by the respective investment, trade, and industry ministers.
In addition to the bilateral agenda, Anwar and Muizzu exchanged views on regional and international developments, demonstrating a common position on the Palestinian issue. Anwar praised Muizzu's firm stance in defending Palestinian rights, while reaffirming Malaysia's commitment to peace, justice, and the Palestinian people's right to self-determination.
The visit also saw close ties between the two countries on a personal level, with Anwar receiving a full ceremonial welcome at Republic Square, the capital's prominent landmark. The Prime Minister was also accorded courtesy calls by key Maldivian officials, including Vice-President Hussain Mohamed Latheef and the Foreign Minister.
Overall, Anwar's visit reinforced the longstanding relationship between Malaysia and the Maldives, while simultaneously opening up new avenues for economic, trade, and human capital development.
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