Maldives, Malaysia strengthen defence and Islamic cooperation

Maldives and Malaysia have bolstered their defense and Islamic cooperation ties, while reaffirming their shared stances on Palestine and climate change, according to President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. The Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's state visit saw the signing of new cooperation agreements in these two crucial areas, which will pave the way for more practical collaboration between the nations. Muizzu emphasized that these agreements will further strengthen the institutional ties between Maldives and Malaysia.

In terms of international issues, both countries stand united by their shared Islamic values and commitment to justice, peace, and human dignity. They reiterated their unbreakable solidarity with the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination and an independent state, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Muizzu also expressed his appreciation for deeper engagement between Maldives and ASEAN, and congratulated Malaysia on its successful chairmanship of the regional grouping in 2025.

Regarding climate change, both nations emphasized the urgency of tackling the global challenge as they prepare for COP31 in Türkiye in November. For Maldives and other small island developing states, climate change is not a future concern but an imminent reality. Muizzu called for adequate climate adaptation financing while urging efforts to keep global temperatures from rising beyond the critical 1.5-degree threshold.

He described Anwar Ibrahim's visit as reaffirming the "deep fraternal bonds, mutual respect, and trust" between the two countries, who are not just close friends but "brothers, bound by shared values, shared aspirations, and a shared commitment to a better future."