Pakistan and the Maldives have signed 20 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to expand cooperation across multiple sectors, including defence, information technology, cybersecurity, healthcare, education, agriculture, tourism and maritime security, as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif pledged to strengthen bilateral relations for generations to come.
The agreements were signed during Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu’s three-day state visit to Pakistan, which began on Tuesday at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz. The visit marks the first 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.
Addressing a joint press conference after the signing ceremony, PM Shehbaz said the two countries would continue to strengthen their partnership.
“There is no doubt that the two countries will keep on strengthening these relations for all time to come,” the prime minister said, extending a warm welcome to Muizzu and his delegation.
Shehbaz described the relationship as one rooted in friendship and mutual respect, congratulating the people of the Maldives on six decades of diplomatic ties with Pakistan.
The prime minister said his discussions with Muizzu covered bilateral, regional and international matters, with both sides agreeing to deepen economic, trade, defence and strategic cooperation.
He announced that Pakistan and the Maldives had agreed to increase bilateral trade from approximately $13.9 million to $200 million over the next two years, describing the existing trade volume as significantly below the countries’ potential.
Shehbaz thanked Muizzu for his support in strengthening economic relations and said he would personally work to ensure the agreements were implemented promptly.
The prime minister offered Pakistan’s technical expertise to support the Maldives in several areas, particularly information technology and the development of data centres.
He said Pakistan had developed professional capabilities and established data centres in different locations, offering to share its experience with the island nation.
Shehbaz also highlighted cooperation in education and healthcare, noting that many Maldivian students were studying at Pakistani universities and colleges, particularly in medical fields. He added that approximately 250 Pakistani doctors and other healthcare professionals were serving in the Maldives.
He assured Muizzu that Pakistan would continue supporting the Maldives in meeting its requirements for trained professionals and technical expertise.
As part of environmental cooperation, Pakistan pledged to provide 100,000 olive cuttings and 100,000 seeds of various plant species to support the Maldives’ initiative to plant five million trees within five years.
The prime minister said Pakistan was prepared to assist in translating the agreements into practical outcomes through timely decisions and effective implementation.
The 20 MoUs signed by the two countries cover a broad range of areas aimed at strengthening institutional links, improving connectivity and promoting trade and investment.
The agreements include cooperation in information technology, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, digital skills, technological innovation, healthcare, social protection and the regulation of medicines.
Both countries also signed agreements to strengthen defence relations, maritime security cooperation, the recruitment of healthcare professionals, agriculture and fisheries.
Additional agreements focus on technical and vocational education, academic cooperation, youth and sports development, air connectivity, tourism, arts, culture and heritage.
Institutional cooperation was also formalised between the Maldives Police Service’s National College of Policy and Law Enforcement and Pakistan’s National Police Academy in Islamabad.
Other agreements linked the Maldives Civil Service Commission with Pakistan’s Federal Public Service Commission and Civil Service Academy.
To strengthen commercial engagement, the Maldives State Trading Organisation and the Trading Corporation of Pakistan signed an MoU covering trade in agricultural commodities, food and other products. Another agreement aims to promote cooperation on environmental issues.
PM Shehbaz and President Muizzu attended the ceremony, where representatives of both countries exchanged the signed documents.
Earlier, Muizzu was welcomed at the Prime Minister’s House with a guard of honour presented by contingents of Pakistan’s armed forces. He also planted a sapling at the venue, while prayers were offered for the progress and prosperity of both nations.
A Pakistan-Maldives Business Forum is also being held during the visit to bring together business representatives and explore opportunities for investment and commercial partnerships.
President Muizzu thanked the Pakistani government and people for their hospitality, describing his visit as particularly significant because it coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
He said the six-decade relationship had been characterised by friendship, warmth and shared perspectives, adding that the visit offered an opportunity to build a stronger partnership for the future.
Muizzu welcomed the signing of the 20 MoUs but stressed that their success would depend on implementation and the tangible benefits delivered to citizens of both countries.
He endorsed the target of increasing bilateral trade to $200 million within two years, describing Pakistan and the Maldives as countries with considerable untapped economic potential.
The Maldivian president also welcomed discussions on establishing direct air links between the two countries, saying improved connectivity could encourage tourism and facilitate greater people-to-people exchanges.
He highlighted opportunities in halal and Muslim-friendly tourism and expressed interest in expanding cooperation in artificial intelligence, digitalisation, emerging technologies and healthcare education.
Muizzu also welcomed Pakistan’s support for the Maldives’ environmental initiatives, emphasising that climate change posed a direct threat to his country’s security, development and future.
He called for stronger cooperation in climate resilience, environmental conservation, sustainable waste management and renewable energy.
The Maldivian president further reaffirmed his country’s commitment to revitalising the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), stressing that dialogue, trust and mutual understanding were essential to regional cooperation.
On international matters, Muizzu reiterated the Maldives’ support for Palestinian self-determination and praised Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to promote dialogue, de-escalation, humanitarian assistance and lasting peace in the Middle East.
During the joint press conference, PM Shehbaz praised the Maldives for its consistent support for the Palestinian cause and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
He also briefed Muizzu on Pakistan’s position regarding occupied Jammu and Kashmir, reiterating Islamabad’s support for a peaceful resolution in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
The prime minister said Pakistan would continue supporting the Palestinian people diplomatically and at international forums until they achieved their right to self-determination.
Shehbaz also expressed serious concern over India’s decision to place the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance in April 2025, describing the move as a violation of a binding international agreement.
He stressed that international treaties must be respected and shared water resources should not be used as instruments of political pressure.
The prime minister reiterated that water security was a red line for Pakistan, warning that any violation in this regard would be treated w
