ISTANBUL

Malaysia on Monday lauded the Maldives over its stance on Palestine, while the two sides decided to expand ties to defense, tech, and solar sectors.

The decision was taken during a meeting between Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Kuala Lumpur.

Anwar said the Maldives' position on Palestine was “outstanding,” with “a very courageous decision to bar those with Israeli passports into Maldives.”

The government of Muizzu early this month ratified a third amendment to the Maldives immigration act, which was passed by the People’s Majlis, or the parliament, on April 15, under which Maldives will no longer allow entry to Israeli passport holders.

Anwar noted Malaysia had not recognized Israel “from the time of independence … primarily because of the refusal on the part of Israel to respect human rights, to honor international commitment and to stop genocide in Palestine, in particular in Gaza.”

“We share the same sentiments,” Anwar told Muizzu during a televised news conference in the Malaysian capital.

“We certainly accord him high respect for his courage and principled stance,” Anwar said about Muizzu, who assumed office last November.

Muizzu began a four-day trip to Malaysia on Sunday and the two leaders held talks on Monday.

“Maldives remains steadfast on Palestinian cause. … We reaffirm our unwavering support to the Palestinian people in their legitimate quest for statehood,” Muizzu told Anwar.

“Palestinians deserve their own, independent, and sovereign state based on the pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital,” he added.

At least 52,243 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s genocidal war since October 2023, the Health Ministry said on Sunday.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.

On the bilateral front, Anwar said: “There are now new areas where we need to collaborate further, including floating solar, defense and digital (technology).”

“Areas of cooperation” between Malaysia and Maldives “are wide open,” he stressed.

Muizzu said the sides had "in-depth discussions on enhancing development cooperation on a range of issues and fostering people-to-people connections."

They exchanged memoranda of understanding on tourism, sports, health, and exchange of notes on bilateral consultations and diplomatic training.

"The government is committed to strengthening cordial relations and looks forward to working together towards the betterment of both countries," Muizzu said on X.