President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and his spouse, Sajidha Mohamed, returned to the Maldives this afternoon following their three-day state visit to Pakistan.
This marks the first visit by a Maldivian President to Pakistan in the past 10 years. During this visit, which was also attended by several ministers, both countries held important discussions, particularly regarding trade and economic matters, and established agreements.
Coinciding with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Pakistan, the President stated during this visit that what lies ahead is securing 60 years of prosperity and progress in the relationship between the two nations.
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that the two countries have targeted to increase the current USD 13.9 million annual trade between the Maldives and Pakistan to USD 200 million within the next two years.
Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari stated that the people of Pakistan are pleased that the President has made a visit to Pakistan to strengthen relations between the Maldives and Pakistan following a long hiatus.
During this trip, the two countries signed 20 MOUs. They are:
- Resuming air travel between the two countries
- Constructing a medical school in the Maldives
- Working against cyber security and narcotics smuggling
- Enhancing cooperation in social protection and the health sector
- MOUs related to defense matters, maritime safety, fisheries, and agriculture
- An MOU to import agricultural products into the Maldives through STO
Among these, under the air transport MOU, the President announced that flights by the national airline, Maldivian, between the Maldives and Pakistan's Karachi will commence very soon.
A business forum was also held to present business opportunities available in the Maldives to Pakistani business-people. The Ministry of Economic Development stated that 540 parties participated in this forum, marking the highest number to attend a business forum held by the Maldives to date.
During this visit, the International Islamic University Islamabad of Pakistan conferred an honorary doctorate upon the President. This is an honor awarded by the university in recognition of his services in the political and diplomatic fields. Additionally, the university stated that another purpose of this honor is to appreciate his efforts for the progress of the Maldives and his work in defense of Islam.
During this visit, the President announced that the Maldives is ready to restart the work of the SAARC association, which was created for friendship and cooperation in this region but currently appears less active.
