Maldives president, CDF Munir stress importance of strengthening bilateral defence cooperation

Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir met with visiting Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu in Islamabad on Wednesday. The leaders emphasized the significance of enhancing bilateral defense cooperation during their discussions, which took place amid the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations established between the two nations in 1966.

Muizzu's visit marks the first by a Maldivian president to Pakistan in 11 years, following an invitation from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Both sides stressed the importance of strengthening defense cooperation, institutional linkages, and professional exchanges, with the CDF highlighting the "longstanding and cordial relations" between Pakistan and the Maldives.

President Muizzu praised Pakistan's armed forces and appreciated the country's efforts to promote regional peace and stability. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowed to strengthen bilateral relations, signing 20 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with the Maldives. The premier expressed warm greetings to the Maldivian people, noting that discussions covered economic and trade relations, strategic defense cooperation, and support for training Maldivian personnel in Pakistan's various fields.

In a separate announcement, Shehbaz committed to boosting bilateral trade from $13.9 million to $200 million within two years. He also pledged Islamabad's support for Malé's tree plantation initiative and technical expertise in data centers. The prime minister commended the Maldives' support for the Palestinian cause, reaffirmed Pakistan's stance on Jammu and Kashmir, and expressed concern over India's decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty in April 2025.