ISLAMABAD (Special Correspondent) – Pakistan and Maldives on Wednesday agreed to expand bilateral trade, investments, tourism, food security, pharmaceuticals and private-sector partnerships, emphasizing the importance of improving air and maritime connectivity, and the early convening of the Joint Economic Commission.

Key Points

• Pakistan and Maldives agreed to expand trade, tourism, food, and pharmaceuticals.
• Both sides resolved to increase bilateral trade from US$ 13.4 million to US$ 200 million.
• Prime minister announced 20 additional undergraduate scholarships annually for Maldivian students.
• Pakistan will provide 100,000 olive cuttings and seeds for the Maldivian tree initiative.
• Leaders witnessed the exchange of 20 Memorandums of Understanding across multiple sectors.

Delegation-Level Talks and Trade Targets

The understanding was reached during the delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President of Maldives Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. During the meeting, the two sides resolved to increase the bilateral trade from the current US$ 13.4 million to US$ 200 million in the next two years. On arrival, President Muizzu was received by the prime minister and accorded a formal welcome ceremony. He also inspected the Guard of Honour and planted a commemorative sapling.

During their talks, the two leaders reviewed the bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and international developments. The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its longstanding fraternal relations with Maldives and supporting its national development priorities.

Scholarships and Agricultural Cooperation

The prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to provide essential food commodities and pharmaceuticals to Maldives, including through government-to-government arrangements. He also announced 20 additional undergraduate scholarships, annually, for Maldivian students and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to expanding healthcare cooperation, professional training and capacity building. As part of the Maldivian President’s ‘Five Million Tree Initiative’, the prime minister announced that Pakistan would provide 100,000 olive cuttings and 100,000 seeds of various plants.

These would be provided over a period of the next 12 months, depending on which season the plant becomes available. In total, Pakistan would help produce one million plants in 3 years by sending its experts, who would help set up nurseries.

MoUs and Regional Issues

On regional and international issues, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to peace, dialogue, respect for sovereignty and international law. The prime minister appreciated Maldives principled support for Palestine and shared Pakistan’s perspectives on Jammu and Kashmir dispute, the Indus Waters Treaty and regional security developments. Following the talks, the two leaders witnessed the exchange of 20 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering health, education, technical training, tourism, civil aviation, agriculture, fisheries, defence, maritime security, law enforcement, civil service cooperation, social protection, culture, youth and other areas.

At the joint press stakeout, the leaders expressed satisfaction over the outcomes of their discussions and emphasized the importance of timely implementation of the agreements to deliver tangible benefits for both countries. During a special ceremony, the International Islamic University, Islamabad, conferred an honorary PhD in “Politics and International Relations”, upon President Muizzu, recognizing his leadership, distinguished public service and contributions to the development of Maldives.

The prime minister also hosted a luncheon in the honour of the visiting President and his delegation. The State Visit, the first by a President of Maldives in the past eleven years, coincides with 60 years of the establishment of Pakistan-Maldives diplomatic relations and marks an important step towards a stronger, broader and mutually beneficial partnership.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the target set for bilateral trade?

Both sides resolved to increase bilateral trade from the current US$ 13.4 million to US$ 200 million in the next two years.

How many MoUs were signed during the visit?

The two leaders witnessed the exchange of 20 Memorandums of Understanding covering health, education, technical training, tourism, and other sectors.