By Dr Lubna Farah
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the Maldives have agreed to increase bilateral trade from $130 million to $200 million within the next two years, as the two countries signed and exchanged 20 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to strengthen cooperation across multiple sectors.
The agreements were reached during the three-day state visit of Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to Pakistan, aimed at expanding economic ties and deepening bilateral relations.
The MoUs cover a wide range of areas, including defence, information technology, cybersecurity, healthcare, education, trade, agriculture and tourism.
President Muizzu Receives Guard of Honour
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday formally welcomed President Muizzu at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad, where a ceremonial reception was held in his honour.
The national anthems of Pakistan and the Maldives were played during the ceremony, while a smartly turned-out contingent of the Pakistan Armed Forces presented a guard of honour to the visiting president. Muizzu reviewed the military contingent before the two leaders introduced their respective delegations.
Following the ceremony, the leaders held a one-on-one meeting, followed by delegation-level talks to discuss bilateral relations and opportunities for enhanced cooperation.
President Muizzu arrived in Pakistan on Tuesday for a three-day state visit, accompanied by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed and a high-level delegation comprising cabinet members and senior officials. He also planted a sapling on the lawns of the Prime Minister’s House as part of the official reception.
The visit marks the first trip by a Maldivian president to Pakistan in 11 years and coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, established in 1966.
During his stay, President Muizzu is also scheduled to meet President Asif Ali Zardari, who will host a state banquet in his honour.
Ishaq Dar Highlights Expanded Bilateral Cooperation
Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met President Muizzu and welcomed him and his delegation to Pakistan, according to the Foreign Office.
In a statement shared on X, the Foreign Office said Dar emphasised the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, education, climate change and tourism.
The agreements and trade target reflect the commitment of both countries to expanding economic engagement, strengthening institutional partnerships and exploring new avenues of cooperation for mutual benefit.
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