KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 15 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and the Maldives have reaffirmed their steadfast solidarity with Palestine, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim saying the issue is close to the hearts of both countries as they backed Palestinian self-determination and an independent state.
Anwar said Malaysia and the Maldives shared an almost identical foreign policy on major international issues, with the Palestinian issue remaining particularly important to both nations.
“Close to our hearts is, of course, the Palestinian issue and the complete abandonment of moral sense and justice in Gaza.
“Daily killings and destruction are being tolerated by those who preach human rights and democracy elsewhere,” he said at a joint press conference with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu in the Maldives on Tuesday.
Anwar, who is in the island nation for a two-day official visit, also expressed appreciation for the position taken by Muizzu and his government on Palestine, adding that Malaysia would continue to do its utmost to assist.
Muizzu, meanwhile, said the Maldives and Malaysia remained united in their support for Palestine, including Palestinian self-determination and an independent state based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
“On the international stage, the Maldives and Malaysia continue to stand together, united by our shared Islamic values and our common commitment to justice, peace, and human dignity,” he said.
Anwar’s visit, from Sept 14 to 15, is aimed at further strengthening Kuala Lumpur-Male ties established in 1968.
-- BERNAMA