Pakistan and the Maldives sign 20 MoUs, targeting $200 milli

Pakistan and the Maldives have signed 20 MoUs to expand cooperation across trade, investment, health, education, defence, IT and tourism, setting a target to increase bilateral trade from $13.9 million to $200 million within two years during President Mohamed Muizzu's landmark visit to Islamabad. PM Shehbaz reaffirms commitment to strengthen Maldives ties for 'all time to come' President Muizzu calls Pakistan a trusted friend of the Maldives for 60 years Two countries agree to build a new era of partnership on foundations of six decades of friendship Both countries aim to raise bilateral trade from $13.9m to $200m within two years 20 MoUs cover trade, investment, health, education, defence, IT, tourism and climate resilience Pakistan offers 100,000 olive cuttings and 100,000 seeds to support Maldives' 5m-tree initiative IIUI confers an honorary doctorate in politics on President Muizzu ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday vowed to further strengthen Pakistan's longstanding relations with the Maldives as the two countries signed 20 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) across multiple sectors and agreed to raise bilateral trade from $13.9 million to $200 million within the next two years. Welcoming Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and his accompanying delegation to Pakistan, the prime minister said the two brotherly countries were committed to deepening their cooperation and expanding their partnership in areas of mutual interest. 'There is no doubt that the two countries [will] keep on strengthening these relations for all time to come,' Prime Minister Shehbaz said while addressing a joint press stakeout following delegation-level talks and the exchange of the 20 MoUs. "Your Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu , it is a great pleasure to welcome a dear brother from our friendly country, the Maldives. This is your first visit to Pakistan and, for that matter, the first visit by a Maldivian leader in 11 years. We extend a very warm welcome to you on behalf of the people and government of Pakistan. At this point in time, we are celebrating 60 years of our diplomatic relations alongside your visit. There is no doubt that the two countries will continue to strengthen these relations for all time to come. I am very happy to announce that we have had a wonderful session and very productive and fruitful discussions, covering our economic and trade relations, strategic and defence cooperation, and our support for training our Maldivian brothers and sisters in various fields, including the police, defence, education, health, and many others. Today, we have signed a good number of agreements covering all important aspects of our bilateral relations. I can assure you that I will be very happy to work personally with you to translate these written commitments into prompt action, effective implementation, and speedy progress. I am very grateful to you. Let me also make an announcement today. We have agreed that our brotherly relations do not reflect the true strength of our economic cooperation. Our bilateral trade volume stands at only $13.9 million, which is just a fraction of our actual potential. Through our mutual discussions today, I am very happy to announce, with the complete endorsement of both sides, that we will strive our best to increase our bilateral trade volume from approximately $13 million to $200 million over the next two years. Your visit has given our wonderful relationship new purpose and new momentum. I am absolutely confident that it will take Pakistan-Maldives relations to a stronger, deeper, and more substantive level. Long live Pakistan-Maldives friendship!" ~Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif addresses the joint press stakeout after delegation level talks between paksitan and Maldives — Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) October 21, 2026 He extended his 'warmest greetings and heartfelt affection to the people of Dhivehi Raajje, the land of islands, a nation whose spirit is as vast as the ocean that surrounds it,' while highlighting the significance of six decades of diplomatic relations between the two countries. "At this point in time, our trade volume stands at $13.9 million, which is just a fraction of our potential. Through our discussions today, I am very happy to announce, with the active and complete endorsement from both sides, that we will strive our best to jointly increase our bilateral trade volume from $13 million to $200 million in the next two years." ~Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif addresses the joint press stakeout after delegation level talks between Pakistan and Maldives — Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) October 21, 2026 President Muizzu arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday on a three-day visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz. The visit is the first by a Maldivian president to Pakistan in 11 years and coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, established in 1966. The prime minister said he and President Muizzu held comprehensive bilateral and delegation-level discussions on matters directly affecting the two countries, alongside regional and international developments. 'I am very happy to announce that we had a wonderful session, very productive and very fruitful discussions,' he remarked. "A large number of Maldivian boys and girls have received their education at Pakistani universities and colleges, particularly in the field of healthcare. As we speak, about 250 Pakistani doctors are serving the cause of suffering humanity, along with Pakistani paramedics, in Malé and other places in your great country. This shall continue in the future in even greater numbers so that, whatever your requirements may be, we, as a brotherly country, would be more than happy to fulfil them willingly and with the utmost sincerity of purpose. Your Excellency, today we have signed a good number of 20 MoUs and agreements covering the entire spectrum of our bilateral relations. I can assure you that I will be very happy to work with you personally to translate these written MoUs into action through prompt decision-making and speedy implementation." Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif addresses the joint press stakeout after delegation level talks between Pakistan and Maldives — Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) October 21, 2026 Prime Minister Shehbaz said the talks covered economic and trade relations, strategic defence cooperation and Pakistan's support for training Maldivian citizens in various fields, including policing, defence, education, healthcare and other professional disciplines. He announced that both sides had agreed to increase bilateral trade from $13.9 million, describing the existing volume as 'just a fraction of our potential', to $200 million over the next two years. Noting that Pakistan and the Maldives enjoyed very strong relations and had a long record of mutual achievements, the prime minister said their existing trade figures did not reflect the true strength of their economic cooperation. "It is a great pleasure to welcome a dear brother from our brotherly country, Maldives. This being your first visit to Pakistan and the first visit by anyone from the Maldives in 11 years, makes it a particularly welcome occasion. We extend a very warm welcome to you on behalf of the people of Pakistan, my government and myself. Your Excellency, we are also celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations alongside your visit. There is no doubt that the two countries will continue to strengthen these relations for all times to come. Today, during our bilateral meeting and our earlier meeting in a smaller group, we discussed all important issues that have a direct bearing on our two brotherly countries, as well as regional and international issues. I am very happy to announce that we had a wonderful session, with very productive and fruitful discussions." ~Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif addresses the joint press stakeout after delegation level talks between Pakistan and Maldives — Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) October 21, 2026 He thanked President Muizzu for his personal support in advancing the bilateral agenda and announced that Pakistan would assist the Maldives in its plan to plant five million trees by providing 100,000 olive cuttings and 100,000 seeds of various plant species within a mutually agreed timeframe. Referring to the 20 MoUs signed between the two countries, Prime Minister Shehbaz said he was ready to work personally with President Muizzu to translate the agreements into practical results through prompt decision-making and speedy implementation. He said Pakistan was prepared to provide technical expertise in different areas of cooperation, particularly as the Maldives moved forward with plans to establish data centres at additional locations. 'This is great news, and as a matter of good luck, Pakistan has also attained a reasonable level of expertise and professional capability in this field,' he said, adding that Pakistan had established data centres at various locations and was willing to share its experience and professional capabilities with the Maldives. The prime minister also highlighted cooperation in healthcare and education, noting that a large number of Maldivian students were studying at Pakistani universities and colleges, particularly in healthcare-related disciplines. He added that 250 Pakistani doctors and other paramedics were serving in the Maldives. 'This shall continue in future with bigger numbers so that whatever requirements you have, we as a brotherly country would be more than happy to fulfil those requirements willingly and with utmost sincerity of purpose,' he said. PM commends Maldives' 'unwavering' support for Palestine Turning to international developments, Prime Minister Shehbaz commended the Maldives for its 'unwavering' support for the Palestinian cause and reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state of Palestine. He also briefed President Muizzu on Pakistan's principled position on occupied Jammu and Kashmir, reiterating Islamabad's support for a peaceful resolution of the dispute in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. 'Till they have won their struggle and gotten the right of self-determination, Pakistan shall continue to support them diplomatically and, of course, support them at all international forums till they become an independent sovereign country as per UNSC resolutions, and their sacrifice will not go to waste at all,' he said. In his concluding remarks, the prime minister said President Muizzu's visit had given Pakistan-Maldives relations 'new purpose and new momentum'. 'The same ocean that touches the shores of Karachi and Gwadar embraces the islands of the Maldives,' he said. 'For centuries, its waves have carried traders, scholars and travellers between our lands. Today, they carry the renewed promise of our wonderful friendship whose finest chapters are yet to be written.' 'Pakistan stands as a trusted friend of the Maldives' Addressing the joint press stakeout, President Muizzu thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz, the government and people of Pakistan for their 'exceptional warmth and gracious hospitality'. He said the visit was particularly significant as it coincided with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, a period marked by warmth, friendship and shared perspectives. 'This visit takes place after a decade-long interval. It offers us an important opportunity not simply to celebrate the friendship of the past but to define the partnership of the future,' he said. Emphasising the close ties between the two countries, President Muizzu remarked: 'Only two such longstanding friends could have talked so widely and agreed on so much about our future together'. He said the discussions reflected a clear, shared ambition to move the Maldives-Pakistan partnership into a new era. The Maldivian president said the talks covered a wide range of areas, including trade and investment; health and education; the environment, fisheries and agriculture; youth and sports; policing and defence; training and capacity-building; and tourism. Welcoming the signing of 20 MoUs, he said the agreements would open new avenues for cooperation across multiple sectors. 'These memoranda will open new avenues for cooperation among multiple sectors, but agreements are meaningful only when they produce results. Our next step, of course, is to translate these understandings into tangible opportunities and meaningful benefits for the people of both nations,' he said. President Muizzu endorsed the target of increasing bilateral trade from around $13 million to $200 million within two years, describing both countries as partners with substantial untapped potential. 'The Maldives and Pakistan are worlds of untapped potential for each other,' he said. He expressed confidence that the two countries would take a firm step in the right direction, adding that Thursday's Pakistan-Maldives Business Forum would bring together business leaders, inventors and innovators to explore mutually beneficial investment opportunities. President Muizzu also welcomed discussions on establishing direct flights between Pakistan and the Maldives, saying improved air connectivity would help promote tourism and strengthen people-to-people contacts. He said both countries' leadership saw considerable potential in halal and Muslim-friendly tourism. Highlighting educational cooperation, the Maldivian president appreciated Pakistan's scholarships and educational placements for Maldivian students. He said the two sides would seek to expand these opportunities, particularly in artificial intelligence, digitisation, future technologies and healthcare. 'We want our next generation to be prepared for the future and be prepared to shape that future,' he said. President Muizzu described climate change as a direct challenge to the Maldives' security, development and future rather than an abstract environmental concern. He welcomed cooperation with Pakistan in climate resilience, conservation, sustainable waste management and renewable energy. He also thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz for announcing Pakistan's support for the Maldives' plan to plant five million trees over five years. 'Our nations share a commitment to advancing common interests through constructive engagements,' he said. On regional cooperation, President Muizzu reaffirmed the Maldives' commitment to revitalising the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), stressing that rebuilding trust, encouraging meaningful dialogue and strengthening mutual understanding were essential to unlocking the full potential of regional cooperation. He also expressed the Maldives' 'unequivocal and steadfast solidarity' with the Palestinian people and their legitimate right to self-determination. The Maldivian president commended Pakistan's diplomatic efforts to promote dialogue, de-escalation, humanitarian assistance and a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. 'For 60 years, Pakistan has stood as a trusted friend of the Maldives,' he said, adding that the two countries had agreed to build a new era of partnership on the foundations of six decades of friendship. Later, the International Islamic University Islamabad conferred an honorary doctorate in politics on President Muizzu. Prime Minister Shehbaz said the degree recognised the Maldivian president's 'sagacious and wise leadership and your great public service to your people in the Maldives'. 20 MoUs signed across multiple sectors Pakistan and the Maldives on Wednesday signed 20 memorandums of understanding aimed at expanding bilateral cooperation across a broad range of sectors, including defence, information technology, cybersecurity, health, education, social protection, agriculture, fisheries, tourism and culture. وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف اور مالدیپ کے صدر ڈاکٹر محمد معیزو وزیراعظم ہائوس میں مشترکہ پریس کانفرنس سے خطاب کیا۔ دونوں رہنمائوں نے دوطرفہ تعلقات کو نئی بلندیوں تک لے جانے کا عزم ظاہر کرتے ہوئے تجارت، دفاع، صحت، تعلیم، ٹیکنالوجی، سیاحت، نوجوانوں کی استعداد کار میں اضافے اور موسمیاتی تبدیلی سمیت مختلف شعبوں میں تعاون بڑھانے پر زور دیا۔ وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف نے مالدیپ کے صدر کا پاکستان کے پہلے دورے پر خیرمقدم کرتے ہوئے کہا کہ مالدیپ کے صدر کا دورہ دونوں ممالک کے تاریخی اور برادرانہ تعلقات کو مزید مضبوط بنانے کا اہم موقع ہے۔انہوں نے کہا کہ پاکستان اور مالدیپ کے درمیان تاریخی روابط اور باہمی دوستی ہے اور دونوں ممالک کے تعلقات کو مزید مستحکم بنانے کے لیے تجارت، دفاعی تعاون، تعلیم، صحت، پولیس اور دیگر شعبوں میں شراکت داری بڑھانے پر بات چیت ہوئی ہے۔انہوں نے بتایا کہ مالدیپ کے متعدد طلبہ پاکستان کی جامعات اور کالجوں میں تعلیم حاصل کر چکے ہیں خصوصاً صحت کے شعبے میں پاکستانی تعلیمی اداروں نے مالدیپ کے طلبہ کو مواقع فراہم کیے ہیں۔ باہمی تعاون کا ذکر کرتے ہوئے وزیراعظم نے کہا کہ اس وقت تقریباً 250 پاکستانی ڈاکٹرز اور طبی عملہ مالدیپ کے مختلف علاقوں میں انسانیت کی خدمت انجام دے رہے ہیں، پاکستان مستقبل میں بھی اس تعاون کو مزید وسعت دینے اور مالدیپ کی ضروریات کے مطابق معاونت فراہم کرنے کے لیے تیار ہے۔وزیراعظم نے کہا کہ پاکستان اور مالدیپ نے 20 مفاہمتی یادداشتوں اور معاہدوں کا تبادلہ کیا ہے جو دوطرفہ تعلقات کے مختلف شعبوں کا احاطہ کرتے ہیں۔ انہوں نے اس عزم کا اظہار کیا کہ ان معاہدوں کو محض دستاویزات تک محدود رکھنے کے بجائے عملی اقدامات میں تبدیل کیا جائے گا اور اس مقصد کے لیے بروقت فیصلوں اور تیز رفتار عمل درآمد کو یقینی بنانے کی کوشش کی جائے گی۔ وزیراعظم نے کہا کہ دونوں ممالک کے درمیان موجودہ تجارتی حجم ان کی حقیقی صلاحیت اور امکانات کی عکاسی نہیں کرتا، اس وقت دوطرفہ تجارت تقریباً 13.9 ملین ڈالر ہے تاہم دونوں ممالک کی قیادت نے بات چیت کے دوران اسے آئندہ دو سال میں 200 ملین ڈالر تک بڑھانے پر اتفاق کیا ہے۔ انہوں نے مالدیپ کے صدر کی حمایت پر شکریہ ادا کرتے ہوئے کہا کہ دونوں ممالک مشترکہ کوششوں سے اس ہدف کے حصول کے لیے کام کریں گے۔انہوں نے مالدیپ میں پانچ سال کے دوران 50 لاکھ درخت لگانے کے ہدف میں معاونت کا اعلان کرتے ہوئے کہا کہ پاکستان اس مقصد کے لیے ایک لاکھ زیتون کی قلمیں اور مختلف اقسام کے ایک لاکھ بیج فراہم کرے گا، یہ معاونت باہمی مشاورت سے فراہم کی جائے گی۔وزیراعظم نے مالدیپ میں ڈیٹا سینٹرز کے قیام کے منصوبوں کا خیرمقدم کرتے ہوئے کہا کہ پاکستان اس شعبے میں اپنی تکنیکی مہارت اور پیشہ ورانہ صلاحیتیں مالدیپ کے ساتھ شیئر کرنے کے لیے تیار ہے۔انہوں نے کہا کہ پاکستان میں بھی مختلف مقامات پر ڈیٹا سینٹرز قائم کیے گئے ہیں اور اس شعبے میں حاصل ہونے والا تجربہ مالدیپ کے لیے مفید ثابت ہو سکتا ہے۔ وزیراعظم نےفلسطین کے مسئلے پر پاکستان کے اصولی مؤقف کا اعادہ کرتے ہوئے کہا کہ پاکستان فلسطینی عوام کے حق خودارادیت اور اقوام متحدہ کی متعلقہ قراردادوں کے مطابق ایک آزاد، خودمختار اور متصل فلسطینی ریاست کے قیام کی مکمل حمایت کرتا ہے۔انہوں نے کہا کہ مالدیپ بھی فلسطینی عوام کے حقوق کی حمایت کرتا ہے اور پاکستان اس مقصد کے لیے اپنی آواز بلند کرتا رہے گا۔وزیراعظم نے مقبوضہ جموں و کشمیر کے تنازعے پر پاکستان کے اصولی مؤقف سے مالدیپ کے صدر کو آگاہ کرنے کا ذکر کرتے ہوئے کہا کہ پاکستان اقوام متحدہ کی سلامتی کونسل کی متعلقہ قراردادوں اور کشمیری عوام کی امنگوں کے مطابق تنازعے کے پرامن حل کے لیے پرعزم ہے۔انہوں نے کہا کہ پاکستان کشمیری عوام کی جدوجہد اور حق خودارادیت کی حمایت سفارتی ذرائع اور تمام بین الاقوامی فورمز پر جاری رکھے گا تاکہ وہ اقوام متحدہ کی سلامتی کونسل کی قراردادوں کے مطابق اپنے مستقبل کا فیصلہ کر سکیں۔ وزیراعظم نے سندھ طاس معاہدے کی معطلی کے یکطرفہ بھارتی فیصلے پر پاکستان کے شدید تحفظات کا اظہار کرتے ہوئے کہا کہ بین الاقوامی سطح پر نافذ العمل معاہدوں کا احترام لازم اور ضروری ہے اور مشترکہ آبی وسائل کو ہتھیار کے طور استعمال نہیں کیا جانا چاہیے۔انہوں نے کہا کہ پاکستان مختلف بین الاقوامی فورمز پر واضح کر چکا ہے کہ پانی اس کے لیے ایک ریڈ لائن ہے، پانی زندگی، تجارت، خوشحالی اور ترقی کا ذریعہ ہونا چاہیے نہ کہ دھمکیوں اور تنازعات کا۔ وزیراعظم نے کہا کہ پانی انسانیت کی بقا کے لیے ناگزیر ہے بالخصوص زیریں علاقوں میں رہنے والی آبادیوں کے لیے اس کی اہمیت بنیادی نوعیت کی ہے۔ انہوں نے واضح کیا کہ اس حوالے سے کسی بھی خلاف ورزی کو پاکستان جنگی اقدام تصور کرےگا۔ 1/3 — Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) October 21, 2026 Prime Minister Shehbaz and President Muizzu attended the signing ceremony, where representatives of the two countries exchanged the pre-signed documents. The agreements included an MoU on cooperation in information technology, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, digital skills, technology and innovation. Another agreement focused on strengthening cooperation in combating illicit trafficking and the abuse of narcotic drugs. The two sides also signed MoUs on social protection, health cooperation and collaboration between the Maldives Food and Drug Authority and the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan. Further agreements covered the recruitment of health professionals, strengthening defence ties and maritime security cooperation. In agriculture and food-related sectors, the two countries signed an MoU to enhance agricultural cooperation and another to promote collaboration in fisheries. To strengthen skills development and education, the sides signed agreements on technical and vocational education and training, as well as broader educational cooperation. The representatives also exchanged MoUs on youth and sports development, air connectivity, tourism, and cooperation in arts, culture and heritage. Institutional cooperation was also covered through agreements between the National College of Policy and Law Enforcement of the Maldives Police Service and Pakistan's National Police Academy in Islamabad; the Civil Service Commission of the Maldives and Pakistan's Federal Public Service Commission; and the Maldivian Civil Service Commission and Pakistan's Civil Service Academy. To expand commercial engagement, the Maldives State Trading Organisation (STO) and the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) signed an MoU on cooperation in the trade of agricultural commodities, food and other products. Another agreement focused on environmental cooperation. Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and President of Maldives Dr۔ Muizzu in delegation level talks between the two sides at Prime Minister's House, Islamabad. https://t.co/NLs4hb25W0 — Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) October 21, 2026 Before the signing ceremony, President Muizzu was received at the Prime Minister's House with a guard of honour presented by smartly turned-out contingents of all three branches of Pakistan's armed forces. He was introduced to federal ministers, while Prime Minister Shehbaz welcomed the visiting delegation. According to an earlier statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office, the prime minister extended a warm welcome to the visiting dignitary. President Muizzu also planted a sapling at the Prime Minister's House, while prayers were offered for the progress and prosperity of both countries. مالدیپ کے صدر ڈاکٹر محمد معیزو کا وزیر اعظم ہائوس آمد پر پرتپاک استقبال کیا گیا اور انہیں گارڈ آف آرنر پیش کیا گیا۔ پاکستان کے دورے پر آئے ہوئے مالدیپ کے صدر ڈاکٹر محمد معیزو کے اعزاز میں باضابطہ استقبالیہ تقریب وزیراعظم ہائوس میں منعقد ہوئی۔وزیراعظم ہائوس آمد پر وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف نے معزز مہمان کا پرتپاک استقبال کیا ۔ دونوں رہنمائوں کے درمیان مصافحہ اور خوشگوار جملوں کا تبادلہ بھی ہوا۔اس موقع پر دونوں ملکوں کے قومی ترانے بجائے گئے۔تینوں مسلح افواج کے چاق و چوبند دستوں نے مالدیپ کے صدر کو سلامی دی اور گارڈ آف آنر پیش کیا۔سلامی کے چبوترے پر مالدیپ کے صدر کے ہمراہ وزیر اعظم شہباز شریف بھی موجود تھے۔مالدیپ کے صدر نے گارڈ آف آنر کا معائنہ بھی کیا۔ وزیراعظم شہباز شریف نے کابینہ کے ارکان اور وزیراعظم ہائوس کے اعلی حکام کا مالدیپ کے صدر کے ساتھ تعارف کرایا۔مالدیپ کے صدر نے اس موقع پر اپنے وفد کا وزیر اعظم سے تعارف کرایا۔مالدیپ کے صدر نے وزیراعظم ہائوس کے سبزہ زار میں پودا لگایا اور دونوں ملکوں کی ترقی اور خوشحالی کے لیے دعا کی گئی. — Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) October 21, 2026 A Pakistan-Maldives Business Forum is also being held during the visit to promote interaction between the two countries' business communities and explore opportunities for trade and investment. President of the Maldives H.E. Muhammad Muizzu receives guard of honor at the Prime Minister's House, today. https://t.co/3YWTRtqLjw — Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) October 21, 2026 President Zardari calls for stronger bilateral economic cooperation Separately, President Asif Ali Zardari met his Maldivian counterpart at the President's House in Islamabad, stressing the need to translate the political goodwill between the two countries into greater trade, investment, connectivity and people-to-people exchanges. According to a press release issued by the President's Secretariat, President Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to supporting the Maldives in education, healthcare, human resource development, social protection and sustainable development. 'The two leaders reviewed bilateral relations and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest,' the statement said. President Zardari reiterated the importance Pakistan attached to its longstanding fraternal relations with the Maldives, noting that President Muizzu's state visit coincided with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations and offered fresh momentum to the bilateral partnership. President Zardari Calls for Stronger Economic Cooperation Between Pakistan and Maldives President Asif Ali Zardari has emphasised the need to translate the strong political goodwill between Pakistan and Maldives into greater trade, investment, connectivity and people-to-people exchanges. He also reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to supporting Maldives in education, healthcare, human resource development, social protection and sustainable development. He was talking to the President of the Republic of Maldives, Dr Mohamed Muizzu, during a meeting at Aiwan-e-Sadr, Islamabad, today. The two leaders reviewed bilateral relations and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Welcoming President Muizzu, President Zardari reaffirmed the importance Pakistan attaches to its longstanding fraternal relations with Maldives, rooted in shared faith, mutual trust, respect for sovereignty and enduring goodwill. He noted that the State Visit, coinciding with sixty years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, has provided fresh momentum to their bilateral partnership. Both leaders expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest. President Zardari recalled Pakistan's longstanding contribution to the development of Maldives, including the Parliament building and the School of Medicine in Malé, which stand as enduring symbols of friendship between the two countries. The two leaders recognised the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable countries, particularly small island developing states and climate-vulnerable developing economies. President Zardari expressed Pakistan's readiness to deepen cooperation with Maldives in climate resilience, environmental protection and sustainable development, including support for President Muizzu's Five Million Tree Initiative. The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and international developments and underscored the importance of dialogue, diplomacy, sovereign equality, mutual respect and peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law and the United Nations Charter. They reaffirmed their support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and the establishment of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions. President Mohamed Muizzu was accompanied by Iruthisham Adam, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Hassan Rasheed, Minister of Defence and National Service; Ali Ihusaan, Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology; Mohamed Saeed, Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade and Mohamed Thoha, High Commissioner of the Republic of Maldives. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control Syed Mohsin Naqvi, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs and Minister in Waiting Muhammad Junaid Anwar, Senator Sherry Rehman, Senator Saleem Mandviwala, former Federal Minister Naveed Qamar MNA, Foreign Secretary and High Commissioner of Pakistan to Maldives were also present during the meeting. The meeting was followed by a State Banquet hosted by President Asif Ali Zardari in honour of President Mohamed Muizzu and his accompanying delegation which was attended, among others, by Prime Minister, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif; Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, COAS & Chief of Defence Forces; Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani; Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq; Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of the Naval Staff; Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff; General Syed Aamer Raza, Commander National Strategic Command as well as members of the Federal Cabinet, Parliament and diplomatic corps. ——- — The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) October 21, 2026 He also recalled Pakistan's contributions to the development of the Maldives, including the Parliament building and the School of Medicine in Malé. The statement said both leaders expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest. They also recognised the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable countries, particularly small island developing states and climate-vulnerable developing economies. First Ladies of Pakistan and Maldives Emphasise Women's Empowerment, Youth Development and Strong People-to-People Ties First Lady of Pakistan, Bibi Asifa Bhutto Zardari MNA, met with First Lady of the Republic of Maldives Sajidha Mohamed at Aiwan-e-Sadr today. The two First Ladies underscored the importance of women's empowerment, youth development and greater people-to-people engagement as key pillars of Pakistan-Maldives bilateral relations. Welcoming her Maldivian counterpart, Bibi Asifa Bhutto Zardari expressed the hope that Pakistan's warmth and hospitality would make her visit memorable and further strengthen the longstanding bonds of friendship, mutual respect, shared values and Islamic brotherhood between the two countries. The First Lady expressed satisfaction over expanding bilateral cooperation in education, healthcare, culture, youth development and people-to-people exchanges. She emphasised that both countries share a commitment to advancing women's participation in public life and creating greater opportunities for their education, particularly through vocational training, leadership development and economic empowerment. Bibi Asifa Bhutto Zardari commended First Lady Sajidha Mohamed's distinguished professional journey, particularly her leadership role at the Maldives Food and Drug Authority and her contributions to the public health response during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also appreciated her initiatives to empower women and youth, significantly reduce school dropouts and support vulnerable communities through innovative initiatives. The First Ladies agreed to strengthen mutual cooperation in women's leadership, education, skills development, tourism and hospitality, modern and cost-effective agriculture, entrepreneurship, public health, social development and youth empowerment. Bibi Asifa Bhutto Zardari reaffirmed that women's empowerment, poverty alleviation and maternal and child health remain among her foremost priorities. She highlighted the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), launched in 2008 to carry forward the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, as Pakistan's flagship social protection initiative, providing financial assistance to millions of vulnerable families, particularly women. She also outlined the transformative impact of the Benazir Nashonuma Programme in addressing malnutrition and childhood stunting during the critical first 1,000 days of life. 'Our objective is to ensure that every woman lives with dignity and economic security, and every child receives a healthy start in life,' Bibi Asifa Bhutto Zardari stated. She observed that greater exchanges among students, experts, educational institutions and young professionals would help forge enduring ties between future generations. Both First Ladies emphasised the importance of closer cooperation between relevant institutions and civil society organisations working for the welfare of women, children and youth. They agreed that sustained engagement in these areas would further deepen the friendship between Pakistan and the Maldives and translate their shared aspirations into meaningful benefits for their peoples. Bibi Asifa Bhutto Zardari also presented pink ribbons to the First Lady of Maldives and members of her delegation as a gesture of solidarity and to raise awareness about breast cancer. The First Lady of Maldives was accompanied by Geela Ali, Minister of Health, Family and Welfare of the Maldives. Minister of State for Education and Professional Training Wajiha Qamar, Senator Rubina Khalid and Member of the National Assembly Shazia Marri were also present during the meeting. — The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) October 21, 2026 'President Zardari expressed Pakistan's readiness to deepen cooperation with Maldives in climate resilience, environmental protection and sustainable development, including support for President Muizzu's Five Million Tree Initiative,' the statement said. The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and international developments, underscoring the importance of dialogue, diplomacy, sovereign equality, mutual respect and the peaceful resolution of disputes. They reaffirmed their support for the rights of the Palestinian people and the establishment of an independent and sovereign state of Palestine. According to the statement, President Muizzu was accompanied by Maldivian Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam; Minister of Defence and National Service Hassan Rasheed; Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology Ali Ihusaan; Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade Mohamed Saeed; and Maldives High Commissioner Mohamed Thoha. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Maritime Minister Junaid Anwar, Senators Sherry Rehman and Saleem Mandviwala, former federal minister and MNA Naveed Qamar, the foreign secretary, and Pakistan's high commissioner to the Maldives were also present. The meeting was followed by a state banquet hosted by President Zardari in honour of President Muizzu and his accompanying delegation. The banquet was attended, among others, by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif; Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir; Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani; National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq; Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf; Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu; and Commander National Strategic Command General Syed Aamer Raza, along with members of the federal cabinet, Parliament and the diplomatic corps.