From Mohd Fharkhan Abdul Ghapar
MALE (Maldives), Sept 15 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has described President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s warm hospitality throughout his official visit as a reflection of the extraordinary friendship, trust and affection between Malaysia and the Maldives.
Speaking at an official luncheon hosted by Muizzu in his honour today, Anwar said that it was rare for him to have a head of state personally spend considerable time with him during an official visit.
Anwar said that beyond the warmth of their personal ties, Malaysia and the Maldives also shared common principles and values as relatively small nations that should never allow their size to limit their aspirations or voice on the international stage.
“From last night and throughout this morning until this lunch, you have been with us. So, that shows an extraordinary friendship, trust and affection among brothers and sisters.
“We understand our limitations. You said yours is a small country. Malaysia is relatively small, although a bit larger than the Maldives. But we should not despair. Small countries with a big heart, and that’s what the world needs now,” he said.
Anwar said countries such as Malaysia and the Maldives could demonstrate their role in world affairs through good governance, responsibility and the courage to defend what is right, instead of subscribing to the notion that “might is right”.
He also expressed confidence in Muizzu’s leadership and efforts to transform the Maldives, which he described as a country blessed with enormous potential and natural beauty that continued to attract worldwide interest.
Touching on climate change, Anwar said the Maldives was bearing the consequences despite contributing little to global carbon emissions and environmental degradation.
He added that smaller and developing nations should therefore be more vocal in protecting their people and their right to survive, particularly amid shortcomings by industrialised countries in fulfilling their climate commitments.
He said Malaysia and the Maldives also shared the conviction that embracing new technologies, digitalisation and artificial intelligence must go hand in hand with faith, moral values and ethics.
Anwar’s two-day official visit to the Maldives, his first since assuming office in November 2022, ends later today.
The visit, at Muizzu’s invitation, also saw Anwar accompanied by 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.
-- BERNAMA