President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom met with the Malaysian Prime Minister, His Excellency Dato' Sri Haji Mohd Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak, during the President’s official visit to Malaysia. The meeting took place at the Prime Minister’s Office on Tuesday morning.
The President was officially welcomed upon arrival at the Prime Minister’s Office with a ceremonial Guard of Honour after which the President and Prime Minister convened official talks between the Maldives and Malaysia.
In the meeting, the President highlighted that this year marks the 48th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Maldives and Malaysia. The President stated that the historical ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries are evident not only in the partnership between the two Governments, but also in culture, religion, geography and commerce. The President conveyed his belief that there is greater scope for the development of these ties in the future.
During the meeting the President and Prime Minister discussed topics of interest to be further explored in order to enhance the good working relationship between the two countries. In this regard, discussions were held on providing favorable visa conditions for Maldivians, the introduction of a bilateral double taxation avoidance agreement, strengthening & widening business ties and exploring additional investment opportunities for Malaysian businesses in the Maldives, such as hotel investments and infrastructure development. The President also expressed interest in working with the Government of Malaysia on combating transnational terrorism and giving smaller nations a more representative voice.
The President also requested the support of the Government of Malaysia on setting up a Maldivian Education and Cultural Centre in Kuala Lumpur while the Prime Minister expressed his Government's full cooperation in the matter.
Before concluding the meeting President Yameen invited Prime Minister Dato’Seri Najib Razak to visit the Maldives at a mutually convenient date and the Malaysian Prime Minister accepted the invitation.
