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The Maldives and Pakistan have signed 20 agreements and memorandums of understanding, covering direct air connectivity, defence, healthcare, education and other areas, during President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s official visit to Islamabad.
Mariyam Adheela
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif -- Photo: President Office
Islamabad, Pakistan — The Maldives and Pakistan signed 20 agreements and memorandums of understanding in Islamabad on October 21, aimed at expanding bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors, including an agreement to establish direct air links between the two countries.
The agreements cover aviation, defence, healthcare, higher education, research, finance, technology, tourism, climate change, media and parliamentary cooperation. The arrangements are intended to strengthen ties and open up further opportunities for collaboration between the two countries.
President Muizzu arrived in Pakistan on October 20 with First Lady Sajidha Mohamed and a high-level government delegation, including cabinet ministers. The Maldivian delegation received a red-carpet welcome upon arrival.
During the visit, President Muizzu was formally welcomed by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He is also scheduled to meet Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, with discussions expected to focus on bilateral relations and areas of mutual interest.
The visit, scheduled to conclude on October 22, is the first by a Maldivian president to Pakistan since former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom’s visit in May 2015.
The visit also coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Pakistan. The agreements signed during the visit mark a further step in efforts to strengthen cooperation in areas of shared interest.
