Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Wednesday that Pakistan and the Maldives aim to expand bilateral trade to $200 million within two years, up from the current $13 million, alongside signing multiple memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to broaden cooperation in various fields. The agreements were signed during the three-day state visit of Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, the first by a president of the island nation to Pakistan in 11 years.
The visit coincides with the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. PM Shehbaz and President Muizzu witnessed the signing ceremony as representatives of the two sides exchanged the documents.
The premier, in a post on X, said efforts to increase bilateral trade would be accelerated, adding that Pakistan would provide technical assistance to the Maldives in the information technology sector. The agreements cover defence, information technology, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), health, education, social protection, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, maritime security, and several other areas of bilateral cooperation.
The two countries inked an MoU to strengthen cooperation in information technology, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, digital skills, and technology and innovation. The two countries also agreed to enhance cooperation in combating illicit trafficking and the abuse of narcotic drugs.
Other agreements covered social protection, health cooperation, and collaboration between the Maldives Food and Drug Authority and Pakistan's Drug Regulatory Authority. The two sides also signed MoUs on the recruitment of health professionals, strengthening defence ties, and maritime security cooperation.
To promote agricultural and fisheries cooperation, Pakistan and the Maldives signed separate agreements in these areas. The two countries also agreed to strengthen technical and vocational education and training, alongside broader educational cooperation.
The pacts further covered youth and sports development, air connectivity, tourism, and arts, culture, and heritage. Several MoUs were signed between specific institutions of the two countries, including the Maldives Police Service's National College of Policy and Law Enforcement and Pakistan's National Police Academy in Islamabad.
The Civil Service Commission of the Maldives and Pakistan's Federal Public Service Commission also signed agreements, as did the Maldivian commission and Pakistan's Civil Service Academy. To promote commercial engagement, the Maldives State Trading Organisation and the Trading Corporation of Pakistan signed an MoU on trade in agricultural commodities, food, and other products.
Another agreement focused on cooperation in the field of environment. Upon his arrival at the PM House this morning, Maldivian President Muizzu was received by the premier and accorded a guard of honour.
The two leaders shook hands and exchanged pleasantries during the reception. The national anthems of Pakistan and Maldives were played as the two leaders stood at the salute dais.
Following the ceremony, the two leaders introduced their respective delegations before proceeding to one-on-one and delegation-level discussions. Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also called on the Maldivian president in Islamabad, conveying warm greetings and best wishes from President Asif Ali Zardari and PM Shehbaz, according to a statement released by the Foreign Office.