Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari has said Pakistanis are happy to welcome Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, marking the first visit by a Maldivian President to Pakistan in a decade.

President Zardari made the remarks during a meeting with President Muizzu yesterday at his official residence, Aiwan-e-Sadr, saying the visit would further strengthen relations between the two countries.

He also highlighted the growth of tourism in the Maldives and said memorandums of understanding signed between the two countries would help deepen bilateral ties.

President Muizzu thanked President Zardari for his hospitality and spoke about the longstanding friendship between the Maldives and Pakistan.

The two leaders discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in trade, education, health and training, according to the President’s Office.

First Lady Sajidha Mohamed also met Pakistan’s First Lady and National Assembly member Asifa Bhutto Zardari.

President Zardari hosted a dinner in honour of President Muizzu last night.

President Muizzu’s visit is the first by a Maldivian President to Pakistan in 10 years. The previous visit was made by former President Abdulla Yameen in 2015. Before President Muizzu and former President Yameen, former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom was the only Maldivian Presidents to have visited Pakistan.