Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia and the Maldives today renewed a health cooperation agreement that expired in 2023.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the memorandum of understanding (MoU) renewal supports continued collaboration in areas such as resource development, knowledge exchange, medical technology, pharmaceuticals, traditional medicine, health information technology, food safety, and health tourism.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad and Maldives Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Abdulla Khaleel signed the renewal of the MoU in a ceremony held at the Perdana Putra building, witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. The ceremony was part of Muizzu's four-day official visit to Malaysia.

In addition to the health cooperation agreement, a second MoU was inked to enhance cooperation in sports. This agreement aims to promote participation in sporting events, exchange information through seminars, develop sports facilities, facilitate athlete and coach exchanges, and cooperate in anti-doping measures, sports medicine, and promoting sports for all.

Meanwhile, an MoU on Tourism Cooperation was outlined to strengthen Malaysia-Maldives ties. It includes joint promotion and marketing of tourism destinations, exchange of expertise, development of Muslim-friendly tourism offerings, advancement of business events tourism, promotion of ecotourism, and support for community-based tourism initiatives.

Separately, two Exchange of Notes (EoN) were signed to establish Bilateral Consultation between Malaysia and Maldives' Foreign Affairs Ministries. These consultations aim to enhance cooperation in political, economic, and social relations and facilitate discussions on regional and international issues of mutual concern.

The EoN on the Training of Diplomats establishes cooperation between Malaysia and the Maldives in the field of diplomatic training. This initiative will be carried out through Malaysia's Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations and the Maldives' Foreign Service Institute, aiming to strengthen professional development and capacity-building for diplomats from both countries.