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MALAYSIA and the Maldives have pledged to broaden their longstanding partnership by exploring new avenues of cooperation in floating solar energy, defence, and digital technology, as both nations mark 57 years of diplomatic ties.
Speaking at a joint press conference with visiting Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the two maritime nations share a strong foundation of mutual respect and common values, offering great potential for expanded collaboration.
“There are now new areas where we need to collaborate further, including floating solar, defence and digital technology,” Anwar said, noting that Malaysia’s role as a partner remains rooted in mutual benefit.
The Prime Minister, who also holds the finance portfolio, highlighted that existing ties already span education, tourism, sports, and healthcare.
Educational cooperation, particularly under the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP), is being extended to include Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), as well as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
“It is now extending to STEM, TVET and higher education, university exchanges, sports, health,” he said. “As we have seen, (today we had the) exchange of notes in training diplomats, (and) bilateral consultations.”
President Muizzu is on a four-day official visit to Malaysia, his first since taking office in November 2023 at the invitation of Anwar. Both leaders praised the spirit of the discussions and reaffirmed the strength of the relationship.
“This year, we celebrate the 57th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations between our two countries,” said Muizzu.
“Over the decades, our partnership has matured into one characterised by high-level cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.
“I would like to thank the Prime Minister, the government and the people of Malaysia for the generous assistance and cooperation extended to the Maldives over the years, especially in developing our human resource capacity,” he added.
Anwar also expressed Malaysia’s full support for Muizzu’s environmental agenda, calling it a crucial cause that the international community must prioritise.
“We are with him on this, and we follow with great interest and we support the strong expression voiced by the President,” Anwar said.
Earlier in the day, the two leaders witnessed the exchange of three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and two Exchange of Notes (EoNs), aimed at enhancing bilateral development in key areas.
Malaysia’s total trade with the Maldives grew by 4.3 per cent in 2024, reaching RM862.7 million (USD189 million), up from RM827.3 million (USD180.9 million) in 2023. The Maldives currently ranks as Malaysia’s sixth-largest trading partner in South Asia.
“Our friendly neighbour may be some distance away, but it is a beautiful country with which we share a warm and important relationship,” Anwar added. - April 28, 2025