Maldives president, CDF Munir stress importance of strengthening defence cooperation

Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir and visiting Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu emphasized the significance of bolstering bilateral defense cooperation during a meeting in Islamabad on Wednesday, according to state-run Radio Pakistan. President Muizzu arrived in Pakistan on Tuesday for a three-day visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, marking the first such visit by a Maldivian president to Pakistan in 11 years.

The 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, established in 1966, was also being celebrated.

CDF Munir met with President Muizzu in Islamabad, where they discussed matters of mutual interest, the regional security environment, and avenues for enhancing bilateral cooperation. Both sides stressed the importance of strengthening defense cooperation, institutional linkages, and professional exchanges.

The CDF highlighted the "longstanding and cordial relations" between the two nations and reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation and promoting peace, stability, and security in the region through constructive engagement. President Muizzu praised Pakistan's armed forces and appreciated the country's efforts to promote regional peace and stability.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the signing of 20 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with the Maldives, vowing to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries. He welcomed President Muizzu and his delegation, expressing his warmest greetings and affection to the people of Dhivehi Raajje. The two leaders discussed a wide range of issues, including economic and trade relations, strategic defense cooperation, training for Maldivian personnel, and support for various fields such as police, defense, education, and healthcare.

Prime Minister Shehbaz announced that bilateral trade between the countries would increase from $13.9 million to $200 million within two years. He also pledged Islamabad's support for Malé's tree-planting initiative, offering 100,000 olive cuttings and seeds of various plant species. The prime minister assured Muizzu that Pakistan would provide technical expertise to various segments of their mutual cooperation and support the establishment of data centers in the Maldives.

He noted that Pakistan has gained expertise in this field and offered its experience to the Maldives.

The premier addressed international developments, commending the Maldives' support for the Palestinian cause and reaffirming Islamabad's commitment to the Palestinians' right of self-determination and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. He also expressed Pakistan's concern over India's decision to place the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, emphasizing that it was a violation of an international binding treaty.