Maldives and Malaysia agree to deepen defense and economic cooperation
In Malé, Maldives, President Mohamed Muizzu and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim agreed to deepen defense and economic cooperation. Kuala Lumpur also agreed in principle to support a $100 million financial facility, which the Maldives Monetary Authority requested from Malaysia’s central bank, Bank Negara Malaysia.
As reported by Anadolu Agency, Anwar Ibrahim said the two countries’ central banks would work on the facility and a procedure for finalizing the arrangement as soon as possible.
Investment and research
Mohamed Muizzu invited the Malaysian government and businesses to consider investment opportunities in the Maldives. He named renewable energy, digital infrastructure, construction and Islamic finance among the priority areas.
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Anwar Ibrahim also named mineral exploration as a possible area for expanding economic cooperation. The sides agreed to work on simplifying visa procedures, expanding scholarship opportunities and joint research initiatives. According to Muizzu, cooperation between the two countries will also cover defense and Islamic affairs.
Palestine and climate
According to Muizzu, the Maldives and Malaysia reaffirmed their unconditional and unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination. The Maldivian president also reiterated support for an independent and sovereign Palestinian state within the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Muizzu called for predictable, accessible and adequate climate adaptation financing for small island developing states ahead of COP31 in Turkey in November. Bilateral trade between the Maldives and Malaysia amounted to around $188 million in 2025.
