ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the Maldives have agreed to increase bilateral trade from $13 million to $200 million over the next two years, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Wednesday.
The announcement came as the two countries signed several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to strengthen cooperation across multiple sectors during Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s three-day state visit to Pakistan.
The visit marks the first by a Maldivian president to Pakistan in 11 years. It also coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Prime Minister Shehbaz and President Muizzu witnessed the signing ceremony as officials from both sides exchanged the agreements.
Addressing a joint press conference, Shehbaz said the two countries would accelerate efforts to expand bilateral trade. He also announced that Pakistan would provide technical assistance to the Maldives in the information technology sector.
Pakistan and Maldives Sign Agreements Across Key Sectors
The agreements cover defence, information technology, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, healthcare, education, social protection, agriculture, fisheries, tourism and maritime security.
One MoU aims to strengthen cooperation in IT, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, digital skills, technology and innovation. The two countries also agreed to cooperate in combating illicit trafficking and the abuse of narcotic drugs.
Other agreements cover social protection, healthcare cooperation and collaboration between the Maldives Food and Drug Authority and Pakistan’s Drug Regulatory Authority.
The two sides also signed agreements on recruiting healthcare professionals, strengthening defence ties and enhancing maritime security cooperation.
To expand economic cooperation, Pakistan and the Maldives signed separate MoUs covering agriculture and fisheries. They also agreed to strengthen technical and vocational education and training, alongside broader educational collaboration.
Further agreements cover youth and sports development, air connectivity, tourism, and arts, culture and heritage.
Police, Civil Service and Trade Cooperation
Several agreements involve specific institutions in both countries.
These include an MoU between the Maldives Police Service’s National College of Policy and Law Enforcement and Pakistan’s National Police Academy in Islamabad.
The Civil Service Commission of the Maldives also signed agreements with Pakistan’s Federal Public Service Commission and Civil Service Academy.
To promote commercial ties, the Maldives State Trading Organisation and the Trading Corporation of Pakistan signed an MoU covering trade in agricultural commodities, food and other products.
Another agreement focuses on environmental cooperation.
Maldivian President Receives Guard of Honour
President Muizzu received a guard of honour at the Prime Minister’s House upon his arrival on Wednesday morning. Prime Minister Shehbaz welcomed the visiting leader, and the two exchanged greetings.
The national anthems of Pakistan and the Maldives were played as the leaders stood at the salute dais.
After the ceremony, both leaders introduced their respective delegations before holding one-on-one and delegation-level meetings.
Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also met President Muizzu in Islamabad. According to the Foreign Office, Dar conveyed greetings and best wishes from President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz.
Dar warmly welcomed the Maldivian president and his delegation, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to its longstanding relations with the Maldives.
He highlighted opportunities to expand cooperation in trade, investment, education, climate change and tourism.
Dar also welcomed the participation of Maldivian business representatives in the Maldives-Pakistan Business Forum. He expressed hope that business-to-business engagements would create concrete opportunities for trade and investment.
President Muizzu thanked Pakistan for the warm welcome and hospitality. He expressed his country’s desire to deepen bilateral relations and explore new areas of mutually beneficial cooperation, the Foreign Office statement said.
Business Forum to Explore Trade Opportunities
President Muizzu arrived in Islamabad on October 20 for a three-day state visit. He is accompanied by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed and a high-level delegation comprising cabinet ministers and senior officials.
During the visit, Muizzu is also scheduled to meet President Zardari, who will host a state banquet in his honour. He is also holding restricted and delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz.
The two sides are expected to discuss regional and international developments of mutual interest, along with ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
A Pakistan-Maldives Business Forum is also scheduled to bring together business representatives from both countries to explore new opportunities for trade and investment.
Pakistan and the Maldives maintain close relations based on shared faith, mutual respect and longstanding goodwill. The visit reflects both countries’ commitment to expanding economic ties and strengthening cooperation at regional and international forums.
