KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is intensifying efforts to strengthen collaboration within ASEAN and with neighbouring nations such as the Maldives, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said that while Malaysia prioritises closer ties within ASEAN, it must also extend engagement beyond the region to friendly countries that share common aspirations for development and prosperity.

"In this context, the Maldives represents an important partner. We value not only the longstanding people-to-people ties between Malaysia and Maldives but also see tremendous potential to expand our collaboration in trade, investment, digital innovation, and environmental sustainability," he said in his keynote address at the Maldives-Malaysia Business Forum 2025 here today.