Maldives and Pakistan have signed 20 MoUs during President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s first state visit to Pakistan.

The agreements were signed at a ceremony at Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s official residence today, following talks between the two countries.

The MoUs cover the resumption of air services between the two countries, the construction of a medical school in the Maldives, cybersecurity cooperation, efforts to combat drug smuggling, social security and healthcare. They also cover defence, maritime security, fisheries and agriculture.

Details of the agreements have not yet been released.

Pakistan officially welcomed President Muizzu at Prime Minister Sharif’s residence this morning, where the two leaders held official talks.

This is the first visit by a Maldivian President to Pakistan in the past 10 years.

President Muizzu is the third Maldivian President to visit Pakistan. The last visit by a Maldivian President was in 2015, when then-President Abdulla Yameen travelled to the country. Before Yameen, former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom also visited Pakistan.

Pakistan has accorded special attention to President Muizzu’s visit, which includes official talks, the signing ceremony and a dinner hosted in his honour by the Pakistani President and Prime Minister.

During this visit, President Muizzu will also visit Maldivian families living in Pakistan and a business forum will also be held to promote trade and investment between the two countries.

The visit coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Pakistan, established on 26 July 1966.