Maritime security, halal, waqaf and haj among areas covered by new agreements
MALE (Maldives): Malaysia and the Maldives are set to expand cooperation in maritime security and training, as well as halal, waqaf (endowment) and haj, following the exchange of two memoranda of understanding (MOUs) on defence and Islamic affairs.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that as a maritime nation, the Maldives placed particular importance on maritime cooperation, including security.
“The Maldives is a maritime nation and places great importance on maritime cooperation, as well as cooperation in security, training and maritime safety and security, which we will continue to pursue,” he told the Malaysian media after completing his official programme at the President’s Office here yesterday.
On Islamic affairs, Anwar said the Maldives’ status as an Islamic country provided opportunities to deepen cooperation in areas including halal industry, dakwah (religious propagation), Muslim affairs, waqaf and haj.
Earlier, Anwar and Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu witnessed the exchange of the two cooperation documents at the President’s Office.
At a joint press conference, Muizzu said the agreements provided opportunities for practical cooperation while strengthening the institutional foundations of Malaysia-Maldives bilateral relations.
“Today, we witnessed the exchange of new cooperation agreements in two important areas, which are defence cooperation and Islamic faith.
“These agreements open new avenues for practical cooperation and further strengthen the institutional foundations of our bilateral relationship,” he said.
Anwar also proposed convening the Malaysia-Maldives Joint Commission in Kuala Lumpur before the end of this year to further advance bilateral relations.
He said the Commission would provide a platform to address outstanding issues and translate the close relationship between the two countries into concrete cooperation.
“That is why, when the President showed such fondness and commitment, I then proposed that the Joint Commission between the two countries be facilitated at the earliest possible time.
“We will host it in Kuala Lumpur before the end of this year. And that will showcase our commitment to enhance bilateral relations between our two countries,” Anwar said.
The Commission could also address issues affecting Maldivians in Malaysia, including students and those seeking healthcare.
Over 2,000 Maldivian students are studying in Malaysia, reflecting their confidence in the country’s education system, he said.
Anwar said there were some bureaucratic issues involving parents accompanying their children studying in Malaysia, which he had discussed with his colleagues and hoped could be addressed at the next Cabinet meeting.
“I don’t think this is an issue of policy differences. We don’t have problems with Maldivians living in Malaysia, working in Malaysia, or even studying in Malaysia. So I think we will showcase this and respond positively,” he said.
On healthcare, Anwar said issues involving a small number of Maldivians requiring assistance should be resolved promptly, in keeping with the compassion and caring values underpinning the Madani framework.
He said Malaysia would also look into matters concerning the Maldives’ diplomatic presence through the Joint Commission.
Anwar’s two-day official visit to the Maldives, which ended yesterday, was at the invitation of Muizzu and marked his first visit to the Indian Ocean archipelago since becoming Prime Minister in November 2022.
Malaysia and the Maldives established diplomatic relations in 1968, with ties continuing to expand through high-level exchanges, development cooperation and people-to-people relations.
