Mohamed Muizzu begins a three-day visit for talks with Pakistan’s leadership as both countries seek stronger diplomatic, economic and bilateral cooperation.
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — WEB DESK: Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed arrived in Pakistan on Tuesday for a three-day state visit aimed at strengthening diplomatic, economic and bilateral ties between the two countries.
According to an announcement by the Maldivian President’s Office, the presidential couple arrived at Islamabad International Airport, where Muizzu was accorded a 21-gun salute. The visit, scheduled for October 20–22, is taking place at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The visit marks the first high-level bilateral engagement between Pakistan and the Maldives in over a decade and coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, established on July 26, 1966.
Meetings with Pakistan’s leadership
During his stay, President Muizzu is scheduled to meet President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, along with other senior Pakistani officials.
President Zardari is expected to host a state banquet in honour of the visiting leader. Muizzu and Shehbaz are also scheduled to hold official talks to review bilateral relations and explore opportunities for expanded cooperation.
The discussions are expected to cover trade, investment, education, healthcare, tourism, agriculture, defence, maritime security, climate change and people-to-people exchanges, according to details of the visit released by Pakistan’s authorities.
The meetings are intended to strengthen existing cooperation and identify areas where both countries can develop closer political and economic ties.
Agreements and business opportunities
Several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) covering areas of mutual cooperation are expected to be exchanged during the visit.
A Pakistan–Maldives Business Forum is also planned to encourage interaction between business communities and explore opportunities for trade and investment.
The forum could provide a platform for companies and investors from both countries to discuss commercial partnerships. However, the precise terms of the expected agreements and their implementation arrangements will depend on official announcements.
A milestone in bilateral relations
Pakistan and the Maldives established diplomatic relations on July 26, 1966. The current visit provides an opportunity for both governments to review their partnership and discuss cooperation on regional and international issues.
The Maldives’ President’s Office has described the trip as the first high-level bilateral engagement between the two countries in a decade. Pakistan’s earlier announcement described it as the first visit by a Maldivian president to Pakistan in 11 years.
The two governments have expressed their intention to strengthen cooperation and expand mutually beneficial partnerships.
