President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and his spouse, First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, arrived in Pakistan tonight on a three-day state visit.
This marks the first visit by a Maldivian President to Pakistan in the past 10 years. The last Maldivian leader to make an official visit to the country was President Abdulla Yameen in 2015.
A warm welcome was extended to the President and First Lady at Islamabad International Airport. In this regard, a 21-gun salute was accorded in his honor.
The special official welcoming ceremony for the President during this visit will take place tomorrow at the official residence of the Prime Minister of Pakistan.
In connection with this historic visit lasting until next Thursday, around 12 MOUs will be signed between the Maldives and Pakistan. Among these are agreements to enhance cooperation in trade and investment, health, education, climate change, tourism, civil aviation, and defense and military sectors.
During this trip made at the invitation of Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Muizzu will meet with him as well as the country's President, Asif Ali Zardari. Official talks between the two countries will also be held.
One of the most key events of the President's visit is hosting a business forum on behalf of the Maldives in Pakistan. President Muizzu and Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed will both deliver speeches at this forum, which is held to present economic opportunities available in the Maldives.
The President's Office stated that the President will also meet with Maldivian families residing in Pakistan and listen to their concerns.
The President's Office notes that President Muizzu is visiting Pakistan at an opportune time marking the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Diplomatic ties were established between the Maldives and Pakistan on July 26, 1966.
