TWO memoranda of understanding (MoU) covering defence cooperation and Islamic affairs were exchanged during the visit, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said as he concluded his two-day official visit to Malé, in the Maldives.
On education, Anwar said the government would examine several bureaucratic constraints faced by Maldivian students and their families, while also exploring cooperation in mental health and the welfare of persons with disabilities.
Malaysia and the Maldives also shared similar positions on the need for effective implementation of international commitments to address climate change, including the channelling of pledged financing.
“We also remain steadfast in championing freedom and justice for the Palestinian people and rejecting occupation and oppression in Gaza,” Anwar said in a media conference with Malaysian journalists before departing for home.
He said the visit demonstrated that Malaysia and the Maldives, although relatively small countries, could speak firmly and courageously in defending truth, upholding good governance and rejecting the arrogance of powers that oppress other countries and their people.
Anwar expressed his appreciation to Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, the Maldives Government and its people for their hospitality, friendship and trust.
“I depart for home with full hope of translating all the agreements reached into action for the benefit of the people of both countries,” he said.
Earlier, Malaysia has agreed in principle to support the Maldives’ application for a US$100 million financial facility and will discuss with Petronas a proposal to explore potential energy cooperation.
Anwar said Bank Negara Malaysia and the Maldives Monetary Authority would immediately work out the mechanism and implementation process for the financial facility.
“I will also discuss with Petronas (on) the proposal to explore potential energy cooperation in the Maldives,” he said.
The visit also produced an agreement to fast-track a meeting of the Malaysia-Maldives Joint Commission, to be hosted in Kuala Lumpur before the end of the year with Anwar saying the mechanism was important to resolve outstanding issues and establish concrete action to expand cooperation between the two countries.
Anwar departed Velana International Airport at 3.10pm local time (6.10pm Malaysian time) on Tuesday aboard a special aircraft, with Maldivian Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam present to bid farewell to the Malaysian delegation.
The prime minister arrived in Malé on Monday at the invitation of Muizzu, marking his first visit to the Maldives since becoming prime minister in November 2022. His official programme began with a ceremonial welcome and a one-on-one meeting with Muizzu at the President’s Office, followed by bilateral talks involving members of both cabinets.
The two leaders later witnessed the exchange of the defence and Islamic affairs MoUs before addressing a joint press conference.
During his stay, Anwar also received courtesy calls at Niva Kurumba from Vice-President Hussain Mohamed Latheef, People’s Majlis Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla and Adam, before attending an official luncheon hosted by Muizzu.
Both governments reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral trade and investment, digital economy initiatives, renewable energy, tourism and human resource development.
Malaysia and the Maldives established diplomatic relations in 1968, with both sides stressing that the visit would further strengthen bilateral and regional cooperation. - September 16, 2026
