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Maldives, Malaysia Expand Defense, Economic Cooperation
(MENAFN) The Maldives and Malaysia agreed Tuesday to broaden cooperation in defense and economic affairs, while Kuala Lumpur gave preliminary approval to support a $100 million financial facility sought by the Maldives.
Speaking alongside Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Kuala Lumpur, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu said bilateral cooperation had expanded beyond traditional areas to include defense matters and Islamic affairs.
Muizzu also encouraged Malaysian authorities and private-sector companies to consider investment opportunities in the Maldives, particularly in renewable energy, digital infrastructure, construction and Islamic finance. The areas were highlighted as potential fields for expanding economic links and attracting additional Malaysian investment.
Anwar said Malaysia had agreed in principle to back a $100 million facility requested by the Maldives Monetary Authority from Bank Negara Malaysia, the country’s central bank.
“We have agreed in principle to support this,” Anwar said, adding that the two central banks would work on the mechanism and process to settle the arrangement “in the fastest time possible.”
Malaysia also identified mineral exploration as another potential area for stronger economic engagement between the two countries.
The governments further agreed to pursue measures aimed at making travel between the two countries easier, while also expanding scholarship opportunities and developing joint research programs.
The leaders also discussed the situation in Gaza. Muizzu said the Maldives and Malaysia had reaffirmed their “unequivocal and steadfast solidarity” with the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination.
He reiterated support for the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem serving as its capital.
Climate change was another major issue raised during the discussions. Muizzu urged the international community to provide predictable, accessible and sufficient climate adaptation financing for small island developing states ahead of COP31 in Türkiye in November. He described climate change as “an immediate reality” for the Maldives.
The Maldives and Malaysia have maintained diplomatic relations since 1968, while bilateral trade reached approximately $188 million in 2025.
Anwar’s visit follows Muizzu’s first official trip to Malaysia from April 27-30, 2025, when both governments agreed to expand cooperation across several sectors.
Speaking alongside Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Kuala Lumpur, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu said bilateral cooperation had expanded beyond traditional areas to include defense matters and Islamic affairs.
Muizzu also encouraged Malaysian authorities and private-sector companies to consider investment opportunities in the Maldives, particularly in renewable energy, digital infrastructure, construction and Islamic finance. The areas were highlighted as potential fields for expanding economic links and attracting additional Malaysian investment.
Anwar said Malaysia had agreed in principle to back a $100 million facility requested by the Maldives Monetary Authority from Bank Negara Malaysia, the country’s central bank.
“We have agreed in principle to support this,” Anwar said, adding that the two central banks would work on the mechanism and process to settle the arrangement “in the fastest time possible.”
Malaysia also identified mineral exploration as another potential area for stronger economic engagement between the two countries.
The governments further agreed to pursue measures aimed at making travel between the two countries easier, while also expanding scholarship opportunities and developing joint research programs.
The leaders also discussed the situation in Gaza. Muizzu said the Maldives and Malaysia had reaffirmed their “unequivocal and steadfast solidarity” with the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination.
He reiterated support for the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem serving as its capital.
Climate change was another major issue raised during the discussions. Muizzu urged the international community to provide predictable, accessible and sufficient climate adaptation financing for small island developing states ahead of COP31 in Türkiye in November. He described climate change as “an immediate reality” for the Maldives.
The Maldives and Malaysia have maintained diplomatic relations since 1968, while bilateral trade reached approximately $188 million in 2025.
Anwar’s visit follows Muizzu’s first official trip to Malaysia from April 27-30, 2025, when both governments agreed to expand cooperation across several sectors.
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