Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia and the Maldives are set to enhance their partnership by venturing into new sectors, including floating solar, defence, and digital technology, as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Highlighting the maritime nature of both nations, Anwar, who also serves as Malaysia's Finance Minister, articulated the substantial potential for collaboration in various sectors grounded in mutual benefit.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar emphasized the existing cooperative efforts in areas such as education, tourism, sports, and health. He noted the necessity of expanding collaboration to new domains, particularly floating solar, defence, and digital technology. This announcement was made during a joint press conference with Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, who is on a four-day official visit to Malaysia. This marks Muizzu's first visit to Malaysia since assuming the presidency in November 2023, following an invitation from Anwar.
In the education sector, Anwar disclosed that the partnership between Malaysia and the Maldives is broadening through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) to now include Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), as well as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). He mentioned the expansion into areas such as higher education, university exchanges, sports, and health. Anwar further stated that the two countries have exchanged notes on training diplomats and conducting bilateral consultations.
Anwar expressed Malaysia's full support for President Muizzu's environmental advocacy, emphasizing the significance of prioritizing environmental protection on a global scale. He affirmed Malaysia's alignment with Muizzu's environmental initiatives and expressed satisfaction with the meetings and discussions held with Muizzu and other ministers.
During the visit, Anwar and Muizzu witnessed the signing of three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and two Exchange of Notes (EoN), aimed at strengthening cooperation in various sectors for mutual benefit. In 2024, Malaysia's trade with the Maldives saw a 4.3 per cent increase, reaching RM862.7 million (USD189 million) from RM827.3 million (USD180.9 million) in 2023, establishing the Maldives as Malaysia's sixth-largest trading partner among South Asian countries.