Malaysia to resolve bureaucratic hurdles affecting Maldivian students, healthcare
MALÉ: Malaysia will seek to resolve bureaucratic issues affecting Maldivian students and their parents, while strengthening cooperation in healthcare, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim addressed bureaucratic hurdles impacting Maldivian students and their families in Malaysia, as well as bolstering healthcare cooperation between the two nations. Over 2,000 Maldivian students currently study in Malaysia, highlighting the trust placed in the country's education system. Anwar emphasized the importance of reciprocating the facilities provided for Maldivian students and resolved to tackle bureaucratic issues at the upcoming Cabinet meeting.
The Prime Minister affirmed that there were no policy differences between the two countries regarding Maldivians living, working, or studying in Malaysia. He expressed confidence that the potential challenges could be resolved promptly, as they aligned with Malaysia's national philosophy of compassion, care, and support. Anwar also stressed that the number of cases involved was relatively small, suggesting that practical solutions could be found.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu of Maldives commended Malaysia's role in nurturing Maldivian human capital and appreciated the country's support through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme. He welcomed increased scholarship opportunities and visa facilitation, as well as joint research initiatives. Muizzu further mentioned the intention to strengthen institutional partnerships between higher education institutions and work towards greater tourism cooperation, including expanding the halal industry, cultural exchanges, and Muslim-friendly travel.
Both leaders underscored the potential for increased tourism flows and sustainable ecotourism, aiming to foster stronger people-to-people connections and mutually beneficial economic activity. They also agreed to initiate negotiations for a preferential trade agreement, which could generate new opportunities for businesses in both nations. Anwar's visit marked the strengthening of the 58-year diplomatic partnership between Malaysia and Maldives, reciprocating Muizzu's April 2025 official visit.
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