Former President of the Maldives, Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom, has met with former Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamed to reflect on their leadership legacies and discuss global challenges facing the Islamic world. The meeting coincided with Dr Mahathir’s 100th birthday.
The meeting was held by the Perdana Leadership Foundation, which honours former Malaysian prime ministers. During the meeting, President Maumoon extended birthday greetings to Dr Mahathir, and presented him with a model of the minaret of the Male’ Friday Mosque as a token of appreciation for his services and contributions.
During the meeting, the two leaders reminisced about their tenure and highlighted the close and enduring relationship between Malaysia and the Maldives. They also shared their hopes for maintaining unity, peace and prosperity in the Islamic world. President Maumoon noted Dr Mahathir’s efforts to shape and strengthen Islamic thought and leadership.
Both leaders also expressed concern over the inability of the leaders of Islamic countries to prevent the continued inhumane acts committed against the Palestinian people.
The meeting concluded with President Maumoon expressing his gratitude to Malaysia for the close relationship it has maintained with the Maldives over the years. He was accompanied by his son, Farish Maumoon and daughter Yumna Maumoon, during his private visit to Malaysia.