Marking a landmark turning point in South Asian diplomacy, Pakistan and the Maldives have agreed to dramatically boost their bilateral trade volume from a modest $13.9 million to $200 million within the next two years.
The ambitious economic target was announced during a high-profile signing ceremony led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. President Muizzu’s historic three-day state visit—the first by a Maldivian head of state in 11 years—coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
A Broad Spectrum of Cooperation
To usher in what both leaders called a “new era of partnership,” representatives from both governments exchanged 20 agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) spanning critical sectors:
- Technology & Digital Infrastructure: Joint initiatives in artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, digital skills, and technical support for establishing data centers in the Maldives.
- Healthcare & Education: Expansion of MBBS seats for Maldivian students under Pakistan’s Technical Assistance Programme, medical internships, and continued support from the 250 Pakistani medical professionals currently serving in the Maldives.
- Environment & Green Energy: Support for the Maldives’ 5-million-tree plantation initiative through Pakistan’s donation of 100,000 olive cuttings and 100,000 seeds.
- Defense & Maritime Security: Enhanced training programs for Maldivian police, defense forces, and strategic maritime cooperation.
- Trade, Tourism & Connectivity: Talks on launching direct flights to promote tourism, with a special focus on halal and Muslim-friendly travel offerings.
“Existing trade represented only a fraction of our true economic potential. We will do our best jointly to raise this bilateral trade quantum from $13.9 million to $200 million over the next two years.”
— Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
“Agreements are meaningful only when they produce results. Today, we have agreed to turn a new leaf and build a new era of partnership on the foundations of our six decades of friendship.”
— President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu
Shared Geopolitical Positions
Beyond bilateral ties, the two leaders addressed key regional and global developments:
- Palestine: Both nations firmly reiterated their unwavering support for an independent, sovereign Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders.
- Regional Water Security: PM Shehbaz briefed President Muizzu on Kashmir and expressed deep concerns regarding India’s placement of the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, emphasizing that water resources must never be weaponized.
- SAARC Revival: President Muizzu highlighted the Maldives’ commitment to revitalizing the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and creating favorable conditions to convene the next SAARC summit.
President Muizzu was accorded a formal reception with a guard of honor at the Prime Minister’s House. During his visit, he was also conferred an honorary doctorate degree by the International Islamic University Islamabad in recognition of his public service and leadership.
