The foreign policy of the current administration is centred on a “Maldives First” approach.
While excluding Israel, the government provides equal opportunities to all countries and seeks to strengthen relations with them in ways that bring the greatest benefit to the Maldives and its people.
As part of this foreign policy, efforts are under way to renew relations with countries where ties had weakened, while simultaneously strengthening existing relations with countries with which the Maldives already maintains close ties.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has used opportunities provided through meetings with world leaders and agreements aimed at strengthening economic, educational and other forms of cooperation to advance these objectives.
Strengthening Maldives-Malaysia relations
A notable example is the strengthening of the longstanding close relationship between the Maldives and Malaysia.
The relationship gained further momentum during President Muizzu’s visit to Malaysia in April last year, following an invitation from Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
During the visit, President Muizzu held discussions with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and senior Malaysian government officials.
In the official talks, the President highlighted the importance of maintaining strong ties between the two countries and of establishing a solid foundation for further strengthening bilateral relations over the long term.
He also noted the facilities and support provided by Malaysia to Maldivians in matters related to visas.
Cooperation in digital technology
President Muizzu also highlighted the importance of bringing Malaysian innovation and expertise to the Maldives to support the country’s efforts to advance its digital sector.
He said greater cooperation in areas such as information technology, artificial intelligence and cyber security would benefit both countries and expressed hope that relations in these fields would continue to develop.
The Malaysian Prime Minister, meanwhile, highlighted the key areas identified by President Muizzu for closer cooperation and expressed confidence that the two countries would continue to expand their collaboration in these fields.
Four new areas of cooperation
During the visit, the Maldives and Malaysia also signed agreements to strengthen cooperation in four areas.
These include health, sports, education and diplomatic training.
In a joint statement issued following the agreements, President Muizzu said the longstanding relationship between the two countries was built on their shared Islamic faith, mutual respect and goodwill.
Expanding economic ties
President Muizzu also highlighted opportunities to expand economic cooperation between the two countries and pointed to areas where Malaysian businesses could invest in the Maldives.
He identified opportunities in special economic zones, trade, finance and the maritime sector, while encouraging Malaysian investors to make use of these opportunities.
The President said greater use of such opportunities could further strengthen economic ties between the Maldives and Malaysia.
Maldives-Malaysia Investment Forum
A Maldives-Malaysia Investment Forum was also held during the President’s visit.
The forum was attended by officials from both countries and provided Malaysian investors with information on investment opportunities available in the Maldives. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also attended the forum.
Addressing the forum, President Muizzu invited Malaysian businesses to participate in the Maldives’ vision of creating a stronger, more business-friendly and future-ready economy by making use of new opportunities emerging in the country.
Engagement with Malaysian businesses
During the visit, several Malaysian business leaders also paid courtesy calls on President Muizzu.
Among them was Dr Jeffrey Cheah, founder and chairman of Sunway Group. Discussions during the meeting focused on identifying areas in which relations between the Maldives and Sunway Group could be further strengthened.
President Muizzu also highlighted the importance of providing workers with opportunities for further training while they are employed. He noted the potential for such programmes to be conducted in cooperation with the Maldives National University.
The President additionally highlighted opportunities for greater cooperation in tourism, education and healthcare.
Another Malaysian business leader, Vincent Tan Chee Yioun, founder and adviser of Berjaya Corporation Berhad, also met with the President.
During the meeting, President Muizzu highlighted investment and business opportunities available to Malaysian investors and businesses in the Maldives. He said the Maldives remained open to such opportunities and welcomed parties interested in investing in the country.
Supporting Maldivians in Malaysia
The President also met with Maldivians living in Malaysia during the visit.
He officially opened a service in Malaysia for the issuance of Maldivian identity cards and passports, as well as formally inaugurated the Association of Maldivian Students studying in Malaysia.
At a special ceremony held at the International Islamic University Malaysia, President Muizzu was also conferred an honorary doctorate by the university.
The President visited the Maldivian High Commission in Malaysia and also visited the Petronas Twin Towers, one of the country's iconic landmarks.
A balanced foreign policy
The strengthening of relations with Malaysia is presented as part of the administration’s wider foreign policy approach of expanding the Maldives’ engagement with countries around the world.
The government argues that strengthening relations with multiple countries demonstrates that the Maldives does not need to rely on any single country to make its voice heard in the international community.
It maintains that the Maldives can uphold its principles of independence while also earning the respect of the international community.