Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu held talks at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad, reviewing bilateral relations and discussing regional and international developments.
The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, food security, pharmaceuticals and private-sector partnerships. Both leaders also stressed the importance of improving air and maritime connectivity and holding an early meeting of the Joint Economic Commission.
Under the proposed trade initiative, the two countries aim to increase bilateral trade from the current level of approximately $13.4 million to $200 million within two years.
Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s willingness to supply essential food items and medicines to the Maldives through direct arrangements between the two governments.
He also announced 20 additional undergraduate scholarships annually for Maldivian students along with expanded cooperation in healthcare, vocational training and institutional capacity-building.
As part of the Maldives’ initiative to plant five million trees, Pakistan has pledged to provide 100,000 olive saplings and 100,000 seeds of various plant species over the next 12 months, subject to seasonal availability.
Pakistan will also send experts to help establish plant nurseries in the Maldives. The initiative aims to support the production of one million plants over three years.
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The 20 MoUs cover a wide range of areas, including healthcare, education, technical training, tourism, civil aviation, agriculture, fisheries, defence, maritime security, law enforcement, civil service, social protection, culture and youth development.
Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of their discussions and emphasised the timely implementation of the agreements to ensure tangible benefits for the people of both countries.
During the talks, they also reaffirmed their commitment to peace, dialogue, respect for sovereignty and adherence to international law.
Mr Sharif appreciated the Maldives’ position on Palestine and presented Pakistan’s stance on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, the Indus Waters Treaty and regional security.
Maldivian President Receives Honorary Doctorate
In a special ceremony, the International Islamic University Islamabad conferred an honorary PhD on President Mohamed Muizzu in recognition of his leadership, public service and contributions to the development of the Maldives.
The prime minister also hosted a luncheon in honour of the Maldivian president and his delegation.
The visit marks the first visit to Pakistan by a Maldivian president in 11 years and coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Separately, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met President Muizzu. They underscored the importance of expanding cooperation in trade, investment, education, climate change and tourism.
According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the meeting also highlighted the potential of business forums to create concrete opportunities for trade and investment. President Muizzu thanked Pakistan for its warm welcome and expressed his desire to strengthen bilateral relations and explore new avenues of mutually beneficial cooperation.