President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated that the Maldives is eager to welcome more tourists from Malaysia and is collaborating to increase the number of flights between the two countries. He made the statement during a meeting held after the new High Commissioner of Malaysia to the Maldives Badli Hisham Bin Adam presented his credentials.
During the meeting, President Solih congratulated Badli Hisham on his new appointment and conveyed greetings and best wishes to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and to the government and the people of Malaysia. He stated that Malaysia has been a significant regional partner and close friend of the Maldives over the past 55 years. He further emphasised how the dynamism of the people-to-people exchanges between the two countries match the warmth of the close diplomatic ties.
At the meeting, President Solih and High Commissioner Badli Hisham spoke about strengthening economic ties between the two countries, noting the upcoming Double Tax Avoidance Agreement. The president also referred to the Mutual Recognition Agreement that had just been concluded between both countries on the recognition of domestic driving licenses, noting that it would ease mobility for Maldivians residing in Malaysia and vice versa. He also expressed appreciation for the government of Malaysia's contribution to the administration’s human resources development initiatives through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme.
In conclusion, President Solih and High Commissioner Badli Hisham reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the bilateral ties between the two countries in areas of mutual interest.
The Maldives and Malaysia established diplomatic relations in 1968.