Minister of Islamic Affairs and Endowments of the Maldives, Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, has held a high-level meeting in Malaysia with the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), His Excellency Senator Dr. Zulkifli bin Hasan, as part of his ongoing official visit to the country. The meeting reflected the warm and longstanding ties between the Maldives and Malaysia, while reaffirming the shared commitment of both nations to deepen cooperation in areas of mutual importance within Islamic affairs, education, and institutional development.
The meeting was attended by the High Commissioner of the Maldives to Malaysia, Dr. Mariyam Shabeena, together with senior officials from Malaysia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs, underscoring the importance both sides attach to strengthening official engagement and expanding practical cooperation. The discussions were held in a cordial and constructive atmosphere, highlighting the close relationship between the two countries and their common interest in promoting knowledge, religious development, and community wellbeing through sustained institutional partnerships.
During the meeting, Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed conveyed his sincere appreciation to the Prime Minister of Malaysia and senior Malaysian government officials for their continued support and cooperation in advancing Islamic affairs and educational development in the Maldives. He also acknowledged Malaysia’s valued friendship with the Maldives and praised the spirit of collaboration that has continued to shape productive bilateral engagement across several important sectors. The discussions reflected a shared vision to further enhance cooperation in a manner that delivers meaningful benefits to both countries and their peoples.
A key focus of the meeting was the strengthening of cooperation between the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Endowments of the Maldives and the Ministry of Religious Affairs of Malaysia. Both sides explored opportunities to work more closely in several strategic areas, including Zakat administration, Hajj and Umrah services, Awqaf, the training and professional development of Imams and Khatibs, and the promotion and dissemination of Quranic sciences. These areas of collaboration are expected to contribute to stronger institutional capacity, knowledge exchange, and the development of high-quality religious services that support communities and national priorities in both countries.
Dr. Shaheem also expressed appreciation for the important role played by the International Islamic University Malaysia in supporting the educational advancement of Maldivian students. He thanked the Malaysian authorities for their continued support of the university and recognized the institution’s valuable contribution to academic growth, intellectual development, and the nurturing of future generations of Maldivian professionals and scholars. The recognition of IIUM’s contributions further highlighted the educational dimension of Maldives–Malaysia relations, which continues to serve as a strong pillar of cooperation between the two nations.
The meeting also included discussions on the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at enhancing cooperation and facilitating the implementation of joint initiatives between the two ministries. The proposed agreement is expected to provide a structured framework for collaboration, enabling both sides to pursue shared objectives with greater coordination and continuity. Such cooperation is anticipated to open wider opportunities for technical engagement, policy exchange, training programmes, and knowledge-sharing initiatives that will support the long-term development goals of both institutions.
As part of the discussions, Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed extended an official invitation to His Excellency Senator Dr. Zulkifli bin Hasan to visit the Maldives, reflecting the Maldives’ commitment to maintaining close and active engagement with Malaysia at the highest levels. The invitation also signals the importance attached to continued dialogue and direct cooperation in advancing shared priorities in Islamic affairs and related fields.
Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed is currently undertaking an official visit to Malaysia to participate in the International Religious Leaders Summit at the invitation of the Muslim World League. His visit and accompanying engagements demonstrate the Maldives’ active role in fostering international cooperation, promoting constructive dialogue, and building partnerships that support religious development, education, and broader social progress. The meeting in Malaysia further reinforces the positive trajectory of Maldives–Malaysia relations and reflects a forward-looking partnership grounded in mutual respect, shared values, and a common aspiration for continued progress
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