ISLAMABAD: Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu will visit Pakistan from October 20 to 22 for talks on trade, investment, defence and other areas of bilateral cooperation, the Foreign Office said on Sunday.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif invited Muizzu for the three-day state visit. The Maldivian president will be accompanied by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed and a high-level delegation of cabinet ministers and senior officials.
During the visit, Muizzu will meet President Asif Ali Zardari, who will host a state banquet in his honour. He will also hold talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at restricted and delegation levels.
Pakistan and Maldives to Explore Cooperation
According to the Foreign Office, both sides will review their bilateral relations and discuss ways to strengthen cooperation across key sectors.
The talks will cover trade, investment, health, education, tourism, agriculture, defence, maritime security, climate change and people-to-people exchanges.
The two leaders will also exchange views on regional and international developments of mutual interest.
Business Forum to Explore Investment Opportunities
A Pakistan-Maldives Business Forum will take place during the visit to bring together business communities from both countries.
The forum will focus on identifying new opportunities for trade and investment, the Foreign Office said.
Several bilateral agreements and memorandums of understanding are also expected to be signed. These agreements will cover different areas of cooperation between Pakistan and the Maldives.
First Presidential Visit in 11 Years
Muizzu’s visit will be the first by a Maldivian president to Pakistan in 11 years. It also comes as the two countries mark 60 years of diplomatic relations, established in 1966.
Pakistan and the Maldives maintain close ties based on shared faith, mutual respect and longstanding goodwill. Both countries also cooperate at regional and international forums.
The Foreign Office said the visit reflects the two countries’ commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation for their mutual benefit.
