Asim Munir, Maldives speaker discuss regional security, bilateral ties

Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir met Maldives’ People’s Majlis Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdullah at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi on Thursday.

The meeting focused on bilateral relations, regional security and areas of mutual interest, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Field Marshal Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its longstanding relations with the Maldives. He said closer cooperation between the two countries would serve their mutual interests.

The two sides also discussed regional security developments and opportunities to expand cooperation in different fields.

Abdul Raheem Abdullah, who is visiting Pakistan on a five-day trip, appreciated Islamabad’s role in supporting regional peace and stability. He expressed a desire to further strengthen engagement between the Maldives and Pakistan.

The Maldivian speaker is visiting Pakistan at the invitation of National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq. During his visit, he has held meetings with political leaders and members of the Pakistan-Maldives Parliamentary Friendship Group.

His programme also includes visits to historical and cultural sites in Islamabad.

Earlier, Abdullah met Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on September 17. The two sides agreed to enhance parliamentary cooperation and strengthen people-to-people contacts between Pakistan and the Maldives.

Both sides also discussed the role of parliamentary diplomacy in promoting peace and development in the region.