Kuala lumpur: Malaysia and the Maldives are set to expand cooperation in maritime security and training, as well as halal, wakaf, and haj, following the exchange of two memoranda of understanding (MoUs) on defence and Islamic affairs today. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasized the significance of these agreements, noting the Maldives' focus on maritime cooperation.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar highlighted the Maldives' status as a maritime nation and its keen interest in enhancing maritime cooperation, including security and training. He shared these thoughts with Malaysian media after concluding his official engagements at the President's Office.

On Islamic affairs, Anwar noted the opportunities for deepening relations in areas such as halal, dakwah, Muslim affairs, waqf, and haj, given the Maldives' status as an Islamic country. Earlier, Anwar and Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu oversaw the exchange of the two cooperation documents at the President's Office.

During a joint press conference, President Muizzu stated that the agreements marked new opportunities for practical cooperation and further solidified the bilateral relationship between Malaysia and the Maldives. The agreements focus on defence cooperation and Islamic faith, providing a robust foundation for future collaboration.

In attendance at the event were 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. Anwar's two-day official visit to the Maldives concludes this afternoon.