By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan and the Maldives have agreed to increase bilateral trade from around $13.9 million to $200 million over the next two years and signed 20 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) covering key sectors during Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu’s three-day state visit to Pakistan.

Muizzu departed Islamabad early Friday, concluding his visit from Oct. 20 to 22, which focused on expanding economic ties, strengthening defence cooperation and broadening collaboration in education, healthcare, tourism and maritime security, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said.

The visit, undertaken at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, was the first by a Maldivian president to Pakistan in 11 years and coincided with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

During the visit, Muizzu held meetings with Sharif and Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari. Other senior officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gillani, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, also met the visiting president.

- Trade target and business opportunities

A key outcome was the agreement to raise bilateral trade to $200 million within two years, from approximately $13.9 million currently.

The two governments also stressed the importance of stronger private-sector partnerships, increased investment, improved air and maritime connectivity and an early meeting of the Joint Economic Commission.

Addressing the Maldives-Pakistan Business Forum in Islamabad on Oct. 22, the two leaders encouraged business representatives to explore opportunities in tourism, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, renewable energy, infrastructure, information technology and logistics.

The Maldivian side also expressed its intention to establish direct air connectivity between Malé and Karachi, a move that could facilitate business travel, tourism and commercial exchanges.

- 20 agreements across key sectors

The two countries exchanged 20 MoUs covering health, education, technical training, tourism, civil aviation, agriculture, fisheries, defence, maritime security, law enforcement, civil service cooperation, social protection, culture and youth affairs.

Both sides pledged to implement the agreements in a timely manner to translate political commitments into practical benefits.

The agreements reflect an effort to expand cooperation beyond longstanding diplomatic ties into economic, institutional and people-to-people partnerships.

- Scholarships, healthcare and food security

Sharif announced 20 additional undergraduate scholarships annually for Maldivian students and reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness to expand cooperation in education, professional training, healthcare and capacity-building.

Pakistan also pledged support for the Maldives’ food security and healthcare needs through essential food commodities and pharmaceutical supplies, including government-to-government arrangements.

The commitments could help the island nation diversify its sources of essential supplies while providing Pakistani businesses with opportunities to expand exports.

- Cooperation on climate and environmental protection

Pakistan also announced support for President Muizzu’s Five Million Tree Initiative.

Under the initiative, Pakistan will provide 100,000 olive cuttings and 100,000 seeds of various plant species, alongside technical expertise to help establish nurseries in the Maldives.

The cooperation aims to support the production of one million plants over the next three years.

Climate resilience and environmental protection are important areas of cooperation for the Maldives, a low-lying island nation particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels and climate-related hazards.

- Defence and maritime security

Defence and maritime security featured among the sectors covered by the agreements, while senior Pakistani military officials also met the visiting president.

The two countries discussed regional and international developments and opportunities to strengthen institutional links and professional exchanges.

Given the Maldives’ strategic location in the Indian Ocean and Pakistan’s maritime interests, closer engagement could support cooperation on maritime security and related regional challenges.

However, the Foreign Ministry statement did not disclose specific operational details or announce a new defence pact arising from the visit.

- Honorary doctorate for Muizzu

During a ceremony at the Prime Minister’s House, the International Islamic University Islamabad conferred an honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree in Politics and International Relations on Muizzu.

The university recognised his public service, leadership and contributions to the development of the Maldives.

- A new phase in bilateral relations

The visit marks an effort by Islamabad and Malé to convert longstanding political goodwill into stronger trade, investment and institutional cooperation.

The $200 million trade target represents a substantial increase from current bilateral trade, making implementation of the agreements and expansion of commercial links central to the partnership’s future.

Both countries have reaffirmed their commitment to closer cooperation, with the results likely to depend on how quickly the agreements are implemented and businesses translate the announced opportunities into actual trade and investment.