Malaysian PM to visit Maldives next week, days after Mahloof's meeting with its former leader

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak is to visit the Maldives next week.

Malaysia's Foreign Ministry said that the prime minister will depart for Maldives right after his visit to Sri Lanka, from the 17th to 19th of December. However, it did not reveal any information on the duration of the visit.

Furthermore, the Ministry said that 'an experienced officer' has been temporarily assigned to Lanka and Maldives 'to ensure the success of the Prime Minister's visit to both countries'.

"Malaysia enjoys warm and deep relations with Sri Lanka and Maldives, and the visits are expected to strengthen these ties," added the ministry.

While Maldivian authorities are yet to reveal any information on Najib's visit to the country, President Yameen visited Malaysia in December 2016, where both parties 'rejoiced the close bonds of the two nations'.

While the Malaysian PM is to arrive here next week, his arch enemy, former PM Dr. Mahathir Mohamed met with opposition parliamentarian Ahmed Mahloof on Sunday.

Mahloof, Galolhu South constituency MP and spokesperson of the joint opposition, said that he had briefed Mahathir on the political situation in Maldives 'which is almost similar to what is happening in Malaysia'.

https://twitter.com/AhmedMahloof/status/940124002978164736

Later, former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who ruled the nation for 30 years, expressed his delight over the Mahloof's meeting with Mahathir, adding that 'the charismatic Malaysian leader is a close trusted friend'.