Malaysia and Maldives Strengthen Ties, Eye New Collaboration in Solar, Defence, and Digital Technology

PUTRAJAYA, April 28 — Malaysia and the Maldives are setting their sights on an exciting new chapter in their partnership, exploring fresh areas of cooperation like floating solar energy, defence, and digital technology, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim shared today.

Speaking warmly at a joint press conference alongside Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, who is in Malaysia for his first official visit, Anwar highlighted the natural connection between the two maritime nations. “There’s tremendous room for us to work together and grow across many sectors — all based on mutual respect and benefit,” he said.

The two countries already share close ties in education, tourism, sports, and healthcare. But now, Anwar says, it’s time to broaden the horizons.
“There are new areas that demand our collaboration: floating solar, defence, and digital technology,” he said, expressing optimism about the future.

Education remains a key pillar too. Malaysia’s partnership with the Maldives — through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) — is expanding beyond traditional frameworks to include Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), as well as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
“Our cooperation now touches higher education, university exchanges, even sports and health. Today, we also exchanged notes on training diplomats and bilateral consultations,” Anwar noted.

On a more personal note, Anwar praised President Muizzu’s bold stance on environmental issues.
“We fully support his call for the world to take environmental protection seriously. We’re with him on this, and we’re following his efforts with great interest and admiration,” he said.

The meeting between the two leaders wasn’t just ceremonial. Anwar described it as deeply meaningful, with productive discussions held across several ministries.
“You can see from the number of ministers present — from both Malaysia and the Maldives — just how much importance we attach to this friendship,” he said, smiling. “Though we are geographically apart, the Maldives is a beautiful neighbour close to our hearts.”

Earlier today, Anwar and Muizzu also witnessed the signing of three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and two Exchanges of Notes (EoNs), deepening ties across multiple fields.

Trade between the two countries is growing steadily. In 2024, Malaysia’s total trade with the Maldives rose by 4.3 percent to RM862.7 million, up from RM827.3 million the previous year, making the Maldives Malaysia’s sixth-largest trading partner in South Asia.

Their partnership, it seems, is only just getting started.