MALÉ (Maldives) – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu held talks here today to strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation between the two countries.
The two leaders began with a 20-minute one-on-one meeting at the President’s Office before leading their respective delegations in bilateral talks.
The closed-door discussions covered Malaysia-Maldives relations as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest. They also explored opportunities to expand cooperation in various areas.
The Malaysian delegation included Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Johari Abdul Ghani, Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan and Malaysian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Badli Hisham Adam.
Earlier, Anwar arrived at the Presidential Jetty, Izzudheen Faalan, at 9.29am local time amid light rain and was accorded a full ceremonial welcome, including a 21-gun salute by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and an inspection of the guard of honour.
Anwar and Muizzu are scheduled to witness the exchange of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) before holding a joint press conference.
Malaysia and the Maldives established diplomatic relations in 1968. The two countries have since expanded cooperation in various areas, including trade, investment and people-to-people ties. –BERNAMA