In conjunction with the auspicious occasion of the Independence Day of the Maldives, the Government of Maldives and the Government of Malaysia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Cooperation in the Field of Culture, Arts and Heritage. On behalf of the Government of Maldives the MOU was signed by Mohamed Fahmy Hassan, the Ambassador of Maldives to Malaysia and on behalf of the Government of Malaysia MOU was signed by Datuk Haaj Abdul Ghaffar Bin Ahmed Tambi, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia.
The signing ceremony was held today at Malaysian Tourism Centre, MaTiC and was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia and by Maldivian Embassy.
The Maldives and Malaysia apart from being two Islamic countries, displays great similarities in culture, arts and heritage. Hence, both countries are hopeful that with the signing of this MOU, it would further enhance the bilateral relations between the two countries through cooperation in the field of culture, arts and heritage as these are the pivotal areas that could foster and enhance the friendly relations between the people of the Maldives and Malaysia and strengthen the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty, reciprocity and mutual benefit. Such cultural cooperation provides opportunities for the people from both countries to learn about each other’s distinctive cultures and tradition.
Speaking to PSM News after the signing, Maldivian Ambassador to Malaysia said the agreement was signed as part of the effort to establish a Maldivian Cultural Centre in Malaysia. Ambassador Fahmy said that the agreement will promote people to people, bilateral, and cultural relations between the two countries.
The Malaysian Tourism Ministry, in a statement, said in addition to strengthening bilateral relations through cooperation in culture, arts and heritage, and the principles of mutual respect and benefit, sovereignty and reciprocity would be strengthened. The Ministry said such cooperation would provide opportunities for the people of both countries to learn about distinctive culture and tradition.