Maldives and Malaysia have signed two agreements to expand cooperation in defense and Islamic affairs during Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s state visit to the Maldives.

The Memoranda of Understandings (MoU’s) were formalized at a ceremony held at the President’s Office during Prime Minister Anwar’s visit, which was made at the invitation of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

The defense cooperation agreement was signed for the Maldives by Minister of Defense and National Service Hassan Rasheed.

Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Johari Abdul Ghani, signed on behalf of the Malaysian government.

A second agreement focused on strengthening cooperation in Islamic affairs.

It was signed for the Maldives by Minister of Islamic Affairs and Endowments Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, with Minister Johari signing for Malaysia.

The agreements are intended to provide a framework for closer collaboration between the two countries in the respective sectors.

As part of the state visit, Prime Minister Anwar also held official talks with President Dr. Muizzu.

The discussions focused on identifying new areas for partnership, strengthening bilateral relations, and expanding cooperation in the international arena.

The agreements mark another step in the longstanding relationship between the Maldives and Malaysia, which have maintained diplomatic ties for 58 years.

Both countries have continued to pursue cooperation through high-level visits and engagement across multiple areas of mutual interest.