Maldives and Pakistan have agreed to strengthen cooperation to combat drug trafficking under an agreement exchanged during President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s official visit to Pakistan.

Home Minister Ali Ihusan signed the agreement on behalf of the Maldives, while Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control, Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, signed on behalf of the Pakistani government.

The agreement is among 20 MoUs exchanged during President Muizzu’s visit, covering areas including transport, education, healthcare and defence.

The agreements aim to strengthen cooperation across various sectors, although further details have not yet been released.

President Muizzu’s visit is the first by a Maldivian President to Pakistan in a decade. Former President Abdulla Yameen visited Pakistan in 2015, while former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom also made an official visit to the country.

Pakistan has accorded special attention to President Muizzu’s visit, which includes official talks, the signing of the agreements and a dinner hosted in his honour by Pakistan’s president and prime minister.

The President is also scheduled to meet Maldivians living in Pakistan and attend a business forum aimed at promoting economic ties between the two countries.

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