PM Shehbaz vows to strengthen Maldives ties for 'all time to come'; 20 MoUs signed

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif affirmed on Wednesday his intent to fortify Pakistan's bonds with the Maldives, as the two nations inked 20 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) during President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's three-day visit. Muizzu's arrival in Islamabad on Tuesday was an invitation by Shehbaz Sharif, marking the first Maldivian president's trip to Pakistan in 11 years, as both countries commemorate the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 1966.

Addressing a joint press conference, Shehbaz Sharif declared, "There is no doubt that the two countries will continue to strengthen these relations for all time to come." The premier warmly welcomed Muizzu and his delegation, wishing the people of Dhivehi Raajje a nation whose spirit is as vast as the ocean that surrounds it. The MoUs, signed in the presence of both leaders, covered defense cooperation, maritime security, IT, cybersecurity, AI, illicit trafficking, health, food regulation, recruitment of health professionals, vocational training, youth and sports development, air connectivity enhancement, police academies cooperation, and various pacts in agriculture, trade, fisheries, environment, education, tourism, and arts and culture.

Before the MoU signing, Muizzu was greeted at Prime Minister House with a guard of honor, participated in introductions with federal ministers, and planted a sapling. He also offered prayers for the progress and prosperity of both countries. Muizzu will meet President Asif Ali Zardari and hold "restricted and delegation-level" talks with Shehbaz Sharbaz during his visit.

A Pakistan-Maldives Business Forum will also be held to encourage interaction between the two countries' business communities and explore trade and investment opportunities. Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met Muizzu, expressing hope for concrete trade and investment outcomes from B2B engagements.