PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has proposed holding a Malaysia-Maldives Joint Commission meeting in Kuala Lumpur before the end of the year to resolve outstanding issues and accelerate bilateral cooperation.
Anwar said the commission was important as several matters remained unresolved, while an early meeting would signal both countries’ commitment to strengthening their bilateral relationship.
“I then proposed that the joint commission between the two countries be expedited at the earliest possible time and that we also explore the possibility of holding a meeting which we will host in Kuala Lumpur before the end of this year,” he said at a joint press conference Malé, today.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said the mechanism could help address issues involving the two countries’ embassies and other matters requiring coordination between their governments.
He said stronger bilateral ties should be built on mutual understanding, mutual respect and trust at both personal and national levels.
“This will demonstrate our commitment to enhancing bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries,” he said.
Anwar said Malaysia and the Maldives had already developed close relations, while expressing appreciation for Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s commitment to strengthening ties between the two countries.
Anwar is on a two-day visit to the Maldives aimed at strengthening cooperation in trade, investment and other areas of mutual interest.
Separately, Malaysia has agreed in principle to support the Maldives’ request for a US$100 million financing facility, which Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim described as a form of soft loan to be channelled through the monetary authorities of both countries.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said the terms and mechanism had yet to be finalised by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) and the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA).
He said Malaysia had no fundamental objection to the request, considering the Maldives’ repayment record, bilateral cooperation and the requirement for a government guarantee.
“This is actually a type of soft loan, but it is done through BNM and the financial authority.
“So, the terms and conditions are still being examined by both banks, although in principle we have no problem with their repayment record, as well as the cooperation and the government guarantee that must be in place,” he said. - September 14, 2026
