Anwar pledges swift action on Maldivian concerns, proposes joint commission meeting in Kuala Lumpur

Maldives and Malaysia have agreed to accelerate efforts to address outstanding bilateral issues, with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim proposing that the two countries convene their Joint Commission in Kuala Lumpur before the end of this year to further strengthen bilateral cooperation.

Speaking during a joint press statement following talks with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu during his state visit to the Maldives, Anwar emphasised the importance of translating the two countries’ longstanding friendship into practical solutions on issues affecting Maldivian citizens and bilateral cooperation.

The Malaysian Prime Minister said the proposed Joint Commission would be “very critical” in advancing bilateral relations and addressing outstanding matters between the two countries.

He said he had proposed that the commission meet at the earliest possible time and that Malaysia could host the meeting in Kuala Lumpur before the end of 2026.

One of the issues discussed was a request by the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) for a US$100 million facility from Malaysia’s central bank.

Anwar said Malaysia had agreed to support the request, while noting that the two central banks would need to work quickly on the mechanism and process required to finalise the arrangement.

He also gave assurances that Malaysia would work to resolve concerns faced by Maldivian students and their families, particularly bureaucratic difficulties involving parents accompanying their children to Malaysia.

There are more than 2,000 Maldivian students currently studying in Malaysia, which Anwar described as evidence of the confidence Maldivians place in Malaysia’s education system.

He said he had discussed the matter with Malaysian officials and would seek to have the issue resolved at the next Cabinet meeting.

Anwar also pledged immediate attention to concerns involving Maldivians seeking specialised healthcare in Malaysia.

He said the matter involved only a small number of cases and should be addressed in line with Malaysia’s emphasis on compassion and care under its Madani economic framework.

“What is development and progress if you don’t showcase care and compassion?” Anwar said, stressing that the issue should be resolved immediately.

The Prime Minister further said he would discuss with Petronas the possibility of exploring oil and other mineral resources in the Maldives.

Highlighting Petronas’ international operations, he said the Malaysian state-owned energy company has experience operating in countries across different regions and expressed confidence that closer cooperation with the Maldives could be explored.

Anwar also expressed Malaysia’s willingness to cooperate with the Maldives on climate change, particularly in securing additional funding needed to implement effective climate programmes.

The discussions covered a wide range of areas, including education, healthcare, finance, energy, climate change and economic cooperation, as the two countries seek to give renewed momentum to their 58-year diplomatic relationship.

President Muizzu said Anwar’s visit reciprocates the engagements held during his official visit to Malaysia in April 2025 and welcomed the renewed momentum in high-level relations between the two countries.

The President said the two sides reviewed progress under existing cooperation frameworks, explored new areas of partnership and agreed to maintain regular consultations and closer coordination through international platforms, including the United Nations, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the Commonwealth.

The two countries also witnessed the signing of agreements on defence cooperation and Islamic affairs, which Muizzu said would create new avenues for practical cooperation and strengthen the institutional foundation of bilateral relations.

Education and human resource development remain key areas of cooperation, with Muizzu expressing appreciation for Malaysia’s continued support through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme and expanded higher education scholarships for Maldivians.

The two sides also agreed to work towards greater visa facilitation, expanded scholarship opportunities and stronger links between higher education institutions.

On tourism and economic relations, the leaders agreed to deepen cooperation in tourism promotion, the halal industry, cultural exchanges and Muslim-friendly travel, while working to increase tourist flows between the two countries and promote sustainable ecotourism.

The two leaders also agreed to initiate negotiations for a preferential trade agreement, which Muizzu said could open new opportunities for businesses in both countries.

Muizzu invited the Malaysian government and Malaysian businesses to explore investment opportunities in the Maldives, particularly in renewable energy, digital infrastructure, construction and Islamic finance.

Both leaders also reaffirmed their shared position on Palestine, with Muizzu reiterating the Maldives’ support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and an independent, sovereign state based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Anwar, meanwhile, said Palestine remains a matter close to Malaysia’s heart and criticised what he described as the failure of the international community to uphold justice and human rights in Gaza.

He said Malaysia would continue doing its utmost to support the Palestinian people.