Pakistan, Maldives seek stronger trade and investment ties during president’s visit
By The South Asia Times
ISLAMABAD - Pakistan and the Maldives have pledged to expand cooperation in trade, investment, education, tourism and climate change as Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu began a three-day state visit to Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met Muizzu in Islamabad on Wednesday, reaffirming Islamabad’s commitment to strengthening longstanding relations between the two countries, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said.
Dar conveyed greetings and best wishes from Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and welcomed the Maldivian president and his delegation.
He emphasised the importance of expanding bilateral cooperation across key sectors, particularly trade, investment, education, climate change and tourism.
Dar also welcomed the participation of a Maldivian business delegation in the Maldives-Pakistan Business Forum, expressing hope that business-to-business engagements would generate concrete trade and investment opportunities.
Muizzu thanked Pakistan for the warm reception and hospitality, expressing his country’s desire to deepen bilateral relations and explore new areas of mutually beneficial cooperation, the ministry said.
The Maldivian president arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday night for the October 20–22 visit, accompanied by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed and a high-level delegation comprising cabinet ministers and senior officials.
Pakistan’s Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training Wajiha Qamar received the visiting delegation at the airport.
The visit marks 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 two countries have described their relationship as grounded in longstanding ties and a shared commitment to closer cooperation. The business forum and planned bilateral engagements are expected to provide opportunities to strengthen commercial links and identify areas for future collaboration.
