Maldives and Malaysia ink agreements to boost cooperation in defense, Islamic affairs

The Maldives and Malaysia exchanged two agreements on Tuesday, agreeing to boost cooperation in defense and Islamic affairs.

The signing of the Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) took place on Tuesday morning at the President’s Office, and were witnessed by Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

The MOU on defense cooperation was signed by Maldivian Defense Minister Hassan Rasheed and Malaysian Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Johari Abdul Ghani, while the MOU on cooperation in the field of Islamic affairs was signed by Maldivian Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed and Ghani.

PM Anwar had arrived in Male’ on Monday night, on his maiden visit to the Maldives since assuming office in November 2022. He was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Republic Square in Male’ in the morning, after which both he and President Muizzu adjourned to the President’s Office.

Both leaders held official talks focused on strengthening bilateral ties, after which they delivered a joint press statement.

President Muizzu had made a four-day state visit to Malaysia back in April at PM Anwar’s invitation.

The visit led to exchange of several cooperation agreements between the two countries in areas such as healthcare, sports, and tourism.