Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has described President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's warm hospitality throughout his official visit as a reflection of the extraordinary friendship, trust, and affection between Malaysia and the Maldives. Speaking at an official luncheon hosted by Muizzu in his honor today, Anwar noted it was rare for him to have a head of state personally spend considerable time with him during an official visit.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar emphasized that beyond the warmth of their personal ties, Malaysia and the Maldives also shared common principles and values as relatively small nations that should not allow their size to limit their aspirations or voice on the international stage. He expressed that from the previous night through the morning until the luncheon, Muizzu's presence demonstrated the extraordinary friendship and trust among the two nations.
Anwar remarked that despite their limitations, both countries should not despair and instead embrace their roles in world affairs through good governance, responsibility, and courage to defend what is right. He expressed confidence in Muizzu's leadership and efforts to transform the Maldives, noting its enormous potential and natural beauty that continues to attract worldwide interest.
On the topic of climate change, Anwar highlighted that the Maldives is bearing the consequences despite its minimal contribution to global carbon emissions and environmental degradation. He urged smaller and developing nations to be more vocal in protecting their people and their right to survive, especially amid the shortcomings of industrialized countries in fulfilling their climate commitments.
Anwar also mentioned that Malaysia and the Maldives share the conviction that embracing new technologies, digitalization, and artificial intelligence must align with faith, moral values, and ethics. His two-day official visit to the Maldives, his first since assuming office in November 2022, concludes later today. The visit, at Muizzu's invitation, 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.