Maldives president to visit Pakistan from October 20 to 22

Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu will arrive in Pakistan on October 20 for a three-day state visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in key sectors, the Foreign Office announced on Sunday.

Muizzu is visiting Pakistan at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He will be accompanied by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed and a high-level delegation comprising cabinet ministers and senior officials.

During the visit, the Maldivian president will meet President Asif Ali Zardari, who will host a state banquet in his honour. He will also hold formal talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, including meetings with delegations from both countries.

The discussions will cover the full range of bilateral relations, with a focus on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, healthcare, education, tourism, agriculture, defence and maritime security. Both sides will also explore opportunities for collaboration on climate change and people-to-people exchanges.

The two leaders are expected to exchange views on regional and international developments of mutual interest. The talks are intended to strengthen existing ties and identify new areas of cooperation between Pakistan and the Maldives.

A Pakistan-Maldives Business Forum will also be organised during the visit. The forum will bring together business representatives from both countries to explore investment opportunities, promote commercial partnerships and encourage greater trade.

Several agreements and memorandums of understanding covering different areas of bilateral cooperation are expected to be signed during the visit, according to the Foreign Office.

The visit is particularly significant as it marks the first visit by a Maldivian president to Pakistan in 11 years. It also coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, established in 1966.

The Foreign Office said Pakistan and the Maldives maintained close and friendly relations based on shared faith, mutual respect and longstanding cooperation at regional and international forums.

Muizzu’s visit is expected to provide fresh momentum to the bilateral partnership and open further avenues for cooperation in areas of shared interest.