From Mohd Fharkhan Abdul Ghapar
MALÉ (MALDIVES), Sept 15 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu held talks here today aimed at further strengthening bilateral relations between Malaysia and the Maldives.
The two leaders began with a 20-minute four-eyed meeting at the President’s Office before leading their respective delegations in bilateral talks.
The closed-door meeting provided an opportunity for Anwar and Muizzu to engage directly on Malaysia-Maldives relations and exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.
The subsequent bilateral meeting focused on further strengthening existing cooperation and exploring new opportunities to deepen ties between the two countries.
The Malaysian delegation 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.
Earlier, Anwar arrived at the Presidential Jetty, Izzudheen Faalan, at 9.29 am local time amid light rain before being accorded a full ceremonial welcome, which included a 21-gun salute by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and an inspection of the guard of honour.
Anwar and Muizzu are also scheduled to witness the exchange of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) before holding a joint press conference.
Malaysia and the Maldives established diplomatic relations in 1968, with both countries continuing to expand cooperation in various areas, including trade, investment and people-to-people ties.
-- BERNAMA