Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has proposed convening the Malaysia-Maldives Joint Commission in Kuala Lumpur before the end of this year to further advance bilateral relations between the two countries. Anwar emphasized that the Commission would serve as a crucial platform to address outstanding issues and translate the close relationship between Malaysia and the Maldives into tangible cooperation. He highlighted the importance of building bilateral ties on a foundation of sincere appreciation of each other's needs and strengths, supported by mutual respect and trust at both the leadership and country-to-country levels.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar expressed his intentions at a joint press conference with Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu at the President's Office. He proposed that the Joint Commission meeting be facilitated at the earliest possible time, with Malaysia hosting it in Kuala Lumpur before the end of the year. Anwar noted that the Commission could also address issues affecting Maldivians in Malaysia, including matters related to students and healthcare.
Anwar highlighted that more than 2,000 Maldivian students are studying in Malaysia, indicating not only the friendship between the two countries but also Maldivians' confidence in Malaysia's education system. He acknowledged some bureaucratic issues involving parents accompanying their children studying in Malaysia, which he had discussed with his colleagues and hoped to address at the next Cabinet meeting.
On healthcare, Anwar stated that issues involving a small number of Maldivians requiring assistance should be resolved promptly, aligning with the compassionate values underpinning the MADANI framework. He also mentioned that Malaysia would look into matters concerning the Maldives' diplomatic presence, which could be addressed through the Joint Commission.
Anwar is on a two-day official visit to the Maldives, which concludes later today. The Malaysian delegation includes Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, Human Resource Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan, and Malaysian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Badli Hisham Adam. Anwar's visit marks his first to the Indian Ocean archipelago since assuming office as Prime Minister in November 2022, following an invitation from Muizzu. 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.