International
On September 16, 2026, the Maldives officially signed the charter of the 15-nation "Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition" (MMDC), initiated by Saudi Arabia to protect critical maritime trade routes. On September 16, 2026, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced plans to facilitate a USD 100 million financing facility required by the Maldives, provide assistance through Petronas for oil and mineral exploration studies, and further strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries. On September 16, 2026, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and the Maldivian government strongly condemned the attempted drone attacks and ongoing threats targeted at Makkah and Madinah in Saudi Arabia by the Houthis, reaffirming their steadfast solidarity with Saudi Arabia.
The Maldives has joined the international coalition led by Saudi Arabia to protect maritime routes. This coalition is an alliance established to ensure the safety of international maritime navigation and to protect trade routes from threats to maritime security. The Maldives' participation in this alliance is an important step toward working with the international community to maintain regional and international maritime peace. In addition, this decision will further strengthen relations with Saudi Arabia and other nations in enhancing maritime security.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has spoken regarding the Maldives, highlighting important matters concerning the relations between the two countries and cooperation in various fields. In this statement, he noted the long-standing friendship between the two nations and the importance of further strengthening economic and social ties. Furthermore, he stated in his remarks that the Malaysian government is always ready to work together in the international arena and in areas mutually beneficial to both countries.
Dangerous threats by Yemeni militants targeting Saudi Arabia's two holy cities, Mecca and Medina, have been strongly condemned at the international level and by various Islamic nations. Such threats have been noted not only as a danger to the safety and security of the sacred lands of the entire Islamic Ummah, but also as a cowardly act aimed at disrupting the stability of the entire region. In addition, countries expressed assurance of their full support for any measure taken by Saudi Arabia to defend its sovereignty and security. The international community also called for an immediate halt to such unlawful aggressive threats and for ensuring the safety of the holy sites.