Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has arrived in the Maldives for a two-day state visit, marking his first trip to the country since taking office.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu personally received Anwar at Velana International Airport on Sunday evening as the Malaysian leader began his September 14 to 15 visit.
The welcoming proceedings at the airport included a cultural performance by school children, while a formal state welcome will be held for Anwar at Jetty No. 1 in Malé on Monday morning.
Anwar is visiting the Maldives at the invitation of President Muizzu, who extended the invitation during his official visit to Malaysia in April 2025.
The two leaders are scheduled to hold official talks on Monday, with discussions expected to focus on strengthening bilateral relations and identifying new areas of cooperation between Malé and Kuala Lumpur.
The talks will also cover greater coordination between the two countries on international platforms and opportunities to expand cooperation across a number of sectors.
Several Memorandums of Understanding are expected to be signed in the presence of Muizzu and Anwar during the visit, further expanding the framework for cooperation between the two countries.
Anwar will also receive separate courtesy calls from Vice President Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef, People’s Majlis Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla and Foreign Minister Dr Abdulla Khaleel during his stay.
The visit marks Anwar’s first trip to the Maldives since becoming Malaysia’s prime minister in November 2022.
Anwar, one of Malaysia’s most prominent political figures, became the country’s 10th prime minister following a political career spanning several decades. His premiership marked a dramatic comeback after previously serving as deputy prime minister and later spending years as a leading opposition figure.
His arrival comes as the Maldives and Malaysia mark 58 years of formal diplomatic relations.
Relations between the two countries extend well beyond government-to-government engagement, with Malaysia remaining one of the countries most familiar to Maldivians.
Thousands of Maldivians have travelled to Malaysia over the years for higher education, healthcare, business and holidays, while Malaysian universities have remained a popular choice for Maldivian students.
The two countries have also maintained cooperation in development, education, trade and other areas, alongside close engagement on issues affecting Muslim-majority nations.
President Muizzu’s visit to Malaysia in April 2025 provided renewed momentum to the relationship and included discussions with Anwar on expanding economic and bilateral cooperation.
Both countries have also maintained strong positions in support of Palestine, with Anwar emerging as one of the more outspoken leaders in the Muslim world in his criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Anwar’s official programme will continue on Monday with the state welcome in Malé, bilateral talks with President Muizzu and the signing of agreements between the two countries.
