Pakistan and Maldives Sign 20 Agreements During Presidential Visit

Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday for a three-day state visit, the first by a Maldivian president to Pakistan in 11 years. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowed to strengthen bilateral relations during the visit, which coincided with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties established in 1966.

Agreement Signing

Pakistan and the Maldives signed 20 memorandums of understanding on Wednesday. The agreements span a wide range of sectors aimed at deepening institutional cooperation.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met President Muizzu, reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation. The Maldivian president described the talks as a clear shared ambition to move the partnership into a new era.

Trade and Investment

Bilateral trade between the two countries currently stands at $13.9 million. Both nations have set a target to increase this figure to $200 million within the next two years. To advance this goal, the Pakistan-Maldives Business Forum is scheduled for Thursday to bring together private-sector leaders and investors from both countries. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif pledged to work personally with President Muizzu to ensure the newly signed agreements were implemented promptly.

Cooperation and Commitments

The specific cooperation areas are extensive. Pakistan announced support for the Maldives' data centre development, citing its existing technical capabilities. In healthcare, 250 Pakistani doctors and paramedics are currently serving in the Maldives, with plans to increase this number. Pakistan also pledged to provide 100,000 olive cuttings and 100,000 seeds of various plant species to support the Maldives' goal of planting 5 million trees.

On regional issues, Pakistan raised concerns over India's decision to place the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance. The Pakistani government stated that legally binding treaties must be respected and shared water resources must not be weaponised. Pakistan also welcomed the Maldives' support for Palestine, reaffirming a commitment to Palestinian self-determination. President Muizzu highlighted climate change as a direct challenge to his nation's security and future, welcoming cooperation on conservation and renewable energy.

Youth and Future Ties

Both sides committed to expanding people-to-people links. President Muizzu said the two countries would strengthen youth exchange programmes and expand cooperation in skills development, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The agreements include formal cooperation between the Maldives Civil Service Commission and Pakistan’s Federal Public Service Commission and Civil Services Academy. Maldivian students are already receiving education in Pakistani universities, particularly in healthcare fields.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed confidence in the relationship's trajectory. "There is no doubt that the two countries [will] keep on strengthening these relations for all time to come," he said. The visit concluded with the Pakistan-Maldives Business Forum scheduled for Thursday to advance trade and investment discussions.