Source: The Star

Kawaguchiko, Japan – Malaysia and the Maldives have established new agreements to enhance bilateral cooperation, with a particular emphasis on boosting tourism between the two nations through the upcoming “Visit Malaysia 2026” campaign. The partnership will focus heavily on developing Muslim-friendly and halal tourism initiatives.

The agreements were formalized during Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s four-day official visit to Malaysia, which began on Sunday at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

During their meetings, both leaders expressed confidence in the growth potential of trade, tourism, and investment activities between the two nations. President Muizzu extended an invitation to Malaysian investors to explore various investment opportunities across multiple sectors in the Maldives.

Halal Industry Development

Recognizing the growing global demand for high-quality halal products and services, Prime Minister Anwar offered Malaysia’s expertise in developing the halal industry. Malaysia, a recognized leader in halal certification and standards, stands ready to share its experience with the Maldives.

“We have a large number of ministers, both from the Maldives and Malaysia; that shows the importance we place on our friendly neighbor, which is, although quite a distance, a beautiful country,” Prime Minister Anwar remarked during the joint press conference.

Expanding Cooperation

The two leaders also discussed ways to enhance cultural exchanges through literature, performing arts, cultural training, and education. These initiatives aim to increase public awareness of the cultures and histories of both nations.

President Muizzu expressed his appreciation for Malaysia’s cooperation, noting the benefits it has provided to Maldivians who travel to Malaysia for tourism, education, and medical purposes.

New Areas of Collaboration

As maritime nations, both countries recognize vast potential for collaboration across multiple sectors. Beyond existing collaborations in education, tourism, sports, and health, the leaders identified new areas for partnership including:

• Floating solar technology
• Defense cooperation
• Digital technology solutions

Economic Relations

In 2024, Malaysia’s total trade with the Maldives increased by 4.3% to RM862.7 million from RM827.3 million in 2023. This makes the Maldives Malaysia’s sixth-largest trading partner among South Asian countries.

Memoranda of Understanding

During the visit, the leaders witnessed the exchange of three memoranda of understanding and two Exchanges of Notes covering various sectors to strengthen cooperation for mutual benefit.

The education collaboration between the two nations, which includes the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme, is now expanding to include Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

This visit marks President Muizzu’s first official trip to Malaysia since taking office on November 17, 2023, and underscores the ongoing commitment to strengthen diplomatic relations established between the two nations in 1968.

Original Articles:

thestar.com.my. (n.d.). Travel ties deepen, halal focus shared. Retrieved April 30, 2025, from https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/04/29/travel-ties-deepen-halal-focus-shared