Malaysia, Maldives for moderation and dialogue in combating terrorism

By P.K. Balachandran

Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak on Wednesday expressed a shared belief in instituting “moderation” as an important ingredient in the world’s approach to combating violent extremism.

In a joint communiqué issued at the end of the visit of the Malaysian Prime Minister to the Indian Ocean archipelago, the two leaders agreed that while countering terrorism, countries should promote dialogue and show mutual respect and understanding.

Prime Minister Razak appreciated the Maldives’ support for and co-sponsorship of Malaysia’s resolution in the UN General Assembly on “moderation” in dealing with issues of terrorism.

The resolution had been adopted during the recent 72nd Session of the world body.

However, the two leaders “unequivocally reaffirmed their commitment to the fight against terrorism” and expressed their resolve to redouble their joint efforts to combat the menace of terrorism in all forms and manifestations.

They exchanged views on the situation in Palestine and the situation in Rakhine State in Myanmar involving Rohingya Muslims, and agreed to collaborate more closely on these issues.

Yameen and Razak also pledged to “increase collaboration to strengthen the solidarity of the Muslim Ummah and promote the true values of Islam internationally.”

This task devolves on the Maldives and Malaysia as they are two “peace-loving Islamic nations,” the leaders explained.

Yameen and Razak expressed their strong and unwavering commitment to propel bilateral relations to a “more mutually beneficial strategic partnership.”

Four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed during the visit namely an MoU on the Establishment of the Maldives Cultural Centre in Malaysia, MoU on Cooperation in the Field of Health, MoU on Cooperation in the Field of Higher Education and MoU on Cooperation in the Field of Fire Fighting and Rescue Training.

The Maldives and Malaysia agreed to set up an appropriate mechanism that will promote business, trade and investment cooperation as well as enhance collaboration between private sector operators.