Maldives president to visit Pakistan as countries seek stronger trade and security ties
By The South Asia Times
ISLAMABAD - Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu will visit Pakistan from October 20 to 22 for talks on trade, investment, defence and maritime security, as the two countries mark 60 years of diplomatic relations, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said on Sunday.
Muizzu will travel at the invitation of Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, accompanied by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed and a high-level delegation of cabinet ministers and senior officials, the ministry said in a statement.
The visit will be the first by a Maldivian president to Pakistan in 11 years, giving the two countries an opportunity to review bilateral ties and explore new areas of cooperation.
During the visit, Muizzu will meet Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, who will host a state banquet in his honour. He will also hold meetings with Sharif, including restricted and delegation-level talks covering the full range of bilateral relations.
The discussions are expected to focus on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, healthcare, education, tourism, agriculture, defence, maritime security, climate change and people-to-people exchanges. The leaders will also discuss regional and international developments of mutual interest, according to the ministry.
A Pakistan-Maldives Business Forum will be held during the visit to encourage closer engagement between the two countries’ business communities and identify opportunities for trade and investment.
The two sides are also expected to sign agreements and memorandums of understanding covering several areas of bilateral cooperation. The ministry did not specify the agreements or disclose the expected value of any investment commitments.
Pakistan and the Maldives established diplomatic relations in 1966. Their relationship has developed through cooperation at regional and international forums, supported by shared religious ties and longstanding diplomatic engagement.
The anniversary comes as both countries seek to broaden their partnership beyond traditional diplomatic contacts, particularly in economic cooperation, tourism and maritime affairs.
For Pakistan, closer ties with the Maldives also offer opportunities to strengthen engagement with the Indian Ocean island nation on maritime security and regional issues.
