Preparations are under way at the Foreign Office for the visit of Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, the first by a Maldivian head of state in over a decade. In this regard, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar chaired a meeting to review preparations for the forthcoming visit.
"The meeting reviewed the bilateral agenda, with a focus on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, health, education, climate change, tourism, and civil aviation," the Foreign Office stated. The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister underscored that the visit would provide an opportunity to further strengthen fraternal ties and advance a mutually beneficial partnership.
He directed all authorities concerned to coordinate closely to ensure a successful visit, with arrangements reflecting Pakistan's traditional warmth and hospitality. Delegations-level talks are expected as the visiting president will be accompanied by a high-level team, including cabinet ministers.
The two sides are expected to sign around 12 agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), focusing on trade, investment, health, education, climate change, tourism, civil aviation, and defence cooperation. Discussions will also cover establishing direct air links between the Maldives and Pakistan.
Notably, talks are expected to address the revitalisation of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), alongside cooperation at the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Dar also chaired a meeting to review preparations for the forthcoming Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) Council of Ministers meeting, to be held in Islamabad on 15-16 November.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister reviewed the proposed programme and arrangements for the meeting. "Underscoring the importance Pakistan attaches to the ECO, he directed all concerned to ensure timely preparations and close coordination for the successful conduct of the meeting, with a focus on facilitating productive discussions and substantive outcomes," the Foreign Office statement added.
Meanwhile, the Foreign Office celebrated the Foreign Service of Pakistan Day, in which the foreign minister and foreign secretary sent messages to Pakistani diplomats at home and abroad. "We honour the men and women of our Foreign Service, past and present, who have dedicated their lives to advancing Pakistan's national interests.
We particularly honour the pioneering officers who, in the formative years of our country, worked under extraordinarily challenging circumstances to establish Pakistan's diplomatic presence. At a time when Pakistan was finding its place in the international community, they stood at the frontline of our national defence, representing the country with conviction, courage, and an unwavering sense of purpose," said Dar.