Pakistan, Maldives sign 20 MoUs to boost ties

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has pledged to strengthen Pakistan’s relations with the Maldives as the two countries signed 20 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) covering trade

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has pledged to strengthen Pakistan’s relations with the Maldives as the two countries signed 20 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) covering trade, defence, healthcare, education, technology and other sectors during Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s visit to Islamabad on Wednesday.

Addressing a joint press conference after bilateral talks, Shehbaz said both countries were committed to expanding their partnership for the long term. He described the discussions as productive and emphasised the need to translate the agreements into practical cooperation.

Muizzu arrived in Pakistan on Tuesday for a three-day official visit at the prime minister’s invitation. 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 the discussions covered economic ties, strategic defence cooperation and regional and international developments. He stressed that the existing relationship had considerable potential for growth, particularly in trade and investment.

Shehbaz announced that Pakistan and the Maldives had agreed to increase bilateral trade from $13.9 million to $200 million over the next two years. He said the current trade volume did not reflect the potential of the two countries’ economic partnership.

The 20 MoUs cover defence cooperation, maritime security, information technology, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, counter-narcotics efforts, social protection, healthcare, vocational training, youth development, sports and air connectivity.

The agreements also include cooperation between police academies, civil service institutions and food regulatory authorities. Additional arrangements cover agriculture, fisheries, education, tourism, environmental protection, arts and culture.

Shehbaz offered Pakistan’s technical expertise to support the Maldives in establishing data centres, highlighting Islamabad’s experience in the information technology sector. He also pledged continued assistance in professional training and capacity-building programmes.

The prime minister said Maldivian students were pursuing higher education at Pakistani institutions, particularly in healthcare. He added that around 250 Pakistani doctors and other paramedical staff were serving in the Maldives, expressing readiness to meet the island nation’s future requirements for skilled professionals.

As part of environmental cooperation, Pakistan agreed to support the Maldives’ plan to plant five million trees by providing 100,000 olive cuttings and 100,000 seeds of different plant species within a mutually agreed timeframe.

Shehbaz also welcomed the Maldives’ 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.

He briefed Muizzu on Pakistan’s position regarding occupied Jammu and Kashmir, reiterating Islamabad’s support for a peaceful settlement in line with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.

The prime minister also expressed serious concern over India’s decision to place the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance in April 2025. He said legally binding international agreements must be respected and warned against using shared water resources as a tool of political pressure.

“Water is a lifeline for humanity,” Shehbaz said, describing water security as a red line for Pakistan.

During the visit, Muizzu was accorded a guard of honour at the Prime Minister’s House and planted a sapling there. He was also conferred an honorary doctorate in politics by the International Islamic University Islamabad in recognition of his leadership and public service.

A Pakistan-Maldives Business Forum is also scheduled during the visit to bring together business communities from both countries and explore opportunities for investment, trade and commercial partnerships.