JOINT STATEMENT BETWEEN MALAYSIA AND THE REPUBLIC OF MALDIVES ON THE OCCASION OF THE OFFICIAL VISIT BY HIS EXCELLENCY DR. MOHAMED MUIZZU, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF MALDIVES[...]

JOINT STATEMENT

BETWEEN MALAYSIA AND THE REPUBLIC OF MALDIVES

ON THE OCCASION OF THE OFFICIAL VISIT BY

HIS EXCELLENCY DR. MOHAMED MUIZZU, PRESIDENT OF THE

REPUBLIC OF MALDIVES TO MALAYSIA

At the invitation of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, President of the Republic of Maldives, undertook an official visit to Malaysia from 27 to 30 April 2025. This visit marked President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's inaugural visit to Malaysia since assuming office on 17 November 2023. The visit was a significant step in reinforcing the longstanding diplomatic relations that was established between the two nations in 1968.

2. The two Leaders held a bilateral meeting on 28 April 2025 to discuss Malaysia-Republic of Maldives ties and exchanged views on regional and international issues of common concern. Both Leaders held substantive discussions in a warm and cordial atmosphere.

3. The Leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in various fields in the spirit of mutual benefit. The visit set a positive tone for future engagements and laid the foundation for greater partnership in the years to come. It also reinforced the two countries' mutual commitment to fostering peace, prosperity, and sustainable development while addressing pressing global and regional challenges.

4. Both Leaders recognised the need to maintain regular exchanges, including convening bilateral consultations and close coordination at various levels, as well as to promote regular exchange of views, ideas and opinions on international issues at the margin of international meetings and conferences such as the United Nations Organisations, Organisation of the Islamic Cooperation and other important international organisation frameworks.

5. The Leaders recognised the potential of their respective economies and expressed confidence in the continued growth of trade value, tourism and investment activities. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu invited Malaysian investors to actively explore the vast investment opportunities in the Republic of Maldives and encouraged cooperation in multiple sectors.

6. Recognising the importance of tourism, both Leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation by taking advantage of the "Visit Malaysia 2026" and explore potential for increasing tourism flow between the two countries and opportunities in Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Halal tourism.

7. Noting the momentum building up worldwide for better quality products and services as consumers gain confidence in halal process, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim conveyed his readiness to share Malaysia's experience and expertise in halal industry.

8. In an effort to promote the expansion of the cultural cooperation, both Leaders welcomed more cultural exchange programmes between the two countries. Both Leaders committed to focus on the enhancement of the cultural ties through exchange of literatures, experts, performing arts, cultural training and education and other related activities to promote greater public awareness on the culture and history of Malaysia and the Republic of Maldives.

9. Noting the number of Maldivians travelling to Malaysia for tourism, education, medical purposes and other needs, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu thanked the Government of Malaysia for the positive environment of cooperation and friendship to address issues related to their welfare. Both leaders also discussed ways to enhance this cooperation and advance mutually beneficial arrangements.

10. Both Leaders underscored the importance of fostering people-to-people connections and mutual understanding, as well as enhancing cooperation between higher education institutions in Malaysia and the Republic of Maldives. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to creating more opportunities and a supportive environment for students, particularly through the relaxation of visa regimes, to pursue higher education in each other's country.

11. Both Leaders expressed their satisfaction with the continued success of the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP), which has been instrumental in enhancing ties between Malaysia and the Republic of Maldives. Malaysia reaffirms its commitment to further support the Republic of Maldives in its capacity building effort, through the MTCP.

12. Noting the common understanding of the two nations on a number of important regional and international issues, both Leaders expressed satisfaction with their close and active engagements in regional and international affairs and reaffirmed their commitment to further continue their efforts and cooperation, especially during Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, for the establishment and promotion of regional and international peace, stability and development.

13. Both Leaders underscored their concern over the adverse impacts of climate change, particularly on coastal nations and small island developing States. Both Leaders emphasized the urgent need for collective action to limit temperature rise to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels in line with the Paris Agreement. The Leaders expressed their commitment to working together in regional and international platforms and calls for the urgent need to strengthen efforts in enhancing and ensuring efficient and effective access to climate finance for all developing country Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), in particular for the least developed countries and small island developing States. Both Leaders also called to advocate for stronger climate ambition and support for developing countries in the lead up to COP30 in Belém, Brazil in November 2025.

14. Both Leaders reiterated their shared commitment to strengthening the solidarity of the Muslim Ummah and upholding the true values of Islam. The Leaders reaffirmed that international challenges must be resolved through peaceful means, including the Palestinian cause, in full accordance with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions. Both Leaders also addressed critical international issues, particularly the ongoing conflicts affecting Muslims across the world and the dire humanitarian situation in Myanmar due to the devastating earthquake. Both Leaders emphasized the importance of a just and lasting solution of the challenges in bringing peace and stability in the region.

15. The Leaders expressed strong condemnation for terrorism in all its forms and manifestation and called upon all states to reject terrorism and bring perpetrators of terrorism to justice. Both sides agreed to continue sharing of information and best practices to address the challenges posed by terrorism, and other traditional and non-traditional threats.

16. Both Leaders welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in the field of Tourism, MoU on Cooperation in the field of Health and MoU on Cooperation in Sports. The Leaders also witnessed the Exchange of Notes Between Malaysia and the Republic of Maldives on Cooperation in the Field of Training of Diplomats and Exchange of Notes on Bilateral Consultation Between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives.

17. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the Government and people of Malaysia for the warm welcome and generous hospitality extended to him and his delegation. He also invited Prime Minister of Malaysia to undertake a visit to the Maldives in the near future, as mutually convenient. He highlighted Malaysia's longstanding support for the Republic of Maldives and reaffirmed his commitment to further strengthening the close friendship between the two nations.