Politics
Pakistan and the Maldives have agreed to increase bilateral trade from $13 million to $200 million within two years.
Pakistan and the Maldives have agreed to increase bilateral trade from $13 million to $200 million within two years. A ceremony was held to exchange memorandums of understanding (MoUs) between Pakistan and the Maldives in various sectors. Addressing the ceremony, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the visit of a Maldivian president to Pakistan after 11 years was significant. He said constructive and positive discussions had taken place with the Maldivian president, covering ways to expand economic cooperation, defence ties, and partnerships in various other fields.
The prime minister said both countries would accelerate efforts to increase bilateral trade. Pakistan would also provide technical assistance to the Maldives in the field of information technology (IT). He noted that a large number of Maldivian students were studying at Pakistani educational institutions, while Pakistani doctors and allied medical professionals were serving the people of the Maldives. Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to implementing the memorandums of understanding, Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan was determined to further strengthen bilateral relations with the Maldives.
The Maldivian president said the Pakistan-Maldives Business Forum would create new opportunities for trade and economic cooperation. He added that his meetings with Pakistan’s leadership had included discussions on expanding cooperation in education, healthcare, trade, and other sectors. The president said the two countries would increase exchanges of delegations under a youth exchange program. He emphasized that making use of artificial intelligence, digitalization, and modern technology had become an essential need of the time.
He added that cooperation would be expanded through Pakistan’s technical assistance program. Climate change posed a threat to the security of both countries, he said, stressing the need to take advantage of available opportunities to give bilateral cooperation a new direction. The Maldivian president expressed his commitment to continuing joint efforts to strengthen relations with Pakistan and explore new avenues for mutual cooperation.
Earlier, Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu received a warm welcome upon his arrival at the Prime Minister’s House, where he was accorded a guard of honour. A formal reception ceremony was held in honour of President Muizzu, who is visiting Pakistan. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warmly welcomed the distinguished guest upon his arrival. The two leaders exchanged handshakes and pleasantries.
The national anthems of both countries were played, while smartly turned-out contingents from the three branches of Pakistan’s armed forces presented a salute and a guard of honour to the Maldivian president. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif accompanied President Muizzu on the saluting dais as he reviewed the guard of honour. The prime minister introduced members of his cabinet and senior officials of the Prime Minister’s House to the visiting president. President Muizzu, in turn, introduced members of his delegation to the prime minister. The Maldivian president also planted a sapling on the lawn of the Prime Minister’s House. Prayers were offered on the occasion for the development and prosperity of both countries.
