The agreements were exchanged in the presence of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu at the President's Office here today, following their bilateral talks.
The MoU on cooperation in Islamic affairs was exchanged with Maldivian Islamic Affairs Minister Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed.
A separate MoU on defence cooperation was exchanged with the Maldivian defence minister.
Also present at the ceremony were Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan and Malaysian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Badli Hisham Adam.
The MoU on halal cooperation is expected to strengthen collaboration in the development of the halal industry, including knowledge-sharing, standards, certification, capacity building and promotion of halal products and services.
The partnership could also provide greater opportunities for Malaysian and Maldivian businesses to tap into the growing global halal economy, while facilitating closer cooperation between relevant authorities and industry players in both countries.
The second MoU focuses on maritime security, an area of strategic importance to both Malaysia and Maldives as maritime nations whose economies and national interests are closely linked to the ocean.
Anwar said that as a maritime nation, Maldives places particular importance on maritime cooperation, including security and training.
"Maldives is a maritime nation and places great importance on maritime cooperation, as well as cooperation in security, training and maritime safety, which we will continue to pursue," he told Malaysian media after completing his official programme.
The agreement is expected to provide a framework for closer cooperation between the two countries in strengthening maritime security capabilities, sharing expertise and information, and addressing common maritime challenges.
The two agreements form part of efforts by Malaysia and Maldives to translate their longstanding bilateral relationship into more substantive and practical cooperation.
On Islamic affairs, Anwar said the Maldives' status as an Islamic country provided opportunities to deepen cooperation in areas including halal, dakwah, Muslim affairs, waqf and haj.
At a joint press conference later, Muizzu said the agreements would open new avenues for practical cooperation and further strengthen the institutional foundations of Malaysia-Maldives bilateral relations.
"Today, we witnessed the exchange of new cooperation agreements in two important areas, which are defence cooperation and Islamic faith.
"These agreements open new avenues for practical cooperation and further strengthen the institutional foundations of our bilateral relationship," he said.
The agreements come as Malaysia and Maldives seek to expand cooperation beyond traditional areas, with both sides identifying new opportunities in trade and investment, renewable energy, digital infrastructure, construction, Islamic finance, tourism, education and the blue economy.
Anwar departed Maldives for Kuala Lumpur at 3.19pm local time today. - NST
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