Maldives’ leader returns to Male’ after three-day Malay visit

Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu returned to Male’ on Wednesday after completing a three-day visit to Malaysia - his first official visit to the South Asian country since assuming office in 2023.

President Muizzu, along with the high-level delegation that accompanied him on the visit, returned to Male’ on Wednesday early morning.

The visit came at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

During the visit, President Muizzu and PM Anwar led official talks between the two countries, and witnessed the signing of four agreements, agreeing to boost cooperation on areas such as tourism, sports, health and bilateral cooperation.

He also attended a Maldives-Malaysia Business Forum, during which he invited Malaysian businesses to seize growing investment opportunities in the Maldives, highlighting a vision for a stronger, more inclusive, and future-ready nation.

President Muizzu also met with members of the Maldivian community residing in Malaysia, during which he inaugurated the Maldivian Students Association (MSA) – Malaysia, and announced that beginning next year, the government will allocate an annual contribution of USD 3,000 in Malaysian ringgits to support the association.

He also launched Maldivian ID card and e-passport services in Malaysia, marking the first time for the services to be expanded outside the Maldives.

Also, during the visit, the International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM) conferred President Muizzu a Honorary Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Islamic Leadership and Madani Development.

Following the ceremony, he delivered a keynote lecture on the subject of “Intellectual Renaissance: Unveiling the Scientific and Modern Development of Islamic Civilization,” in which he called for the revival of the Muslim world’s scientific heritage — paying tribute to past achievements while inspiring a shared vision for the future.

He also met with staff from the Maldives High Commission in Malaysia and commended their efforts in serving the Maldivian diaspora.

President Muizzu was accompanied on the visit by a high-level delegation, including cabinet ministers and senior government officials.