ISLAMABAD – President of Maldives Dr Mohamed Muizzu will undertake a three-day state visit to Pakistan from tomorrow (October 20 to 22) in a major diplomatic engagement aimed at expanding bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, defence, maritime security, tourism and other key sectors.At the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Muizzu will arrive in Pakistan accompanied by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed and a high-level delegation comprising cabinet ministers and senior officials, the Foreign Office said.
The visit assumes particular significance as it will be the first visit to Pakistan by a Maldivian president in 11 years and coincides with the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1966.
The visit is expected to provide fresh impetus to the longstanding partnership between Pakistan and the Maldives, with both sides seeking to translate their traditional goodwill into expanded economic engagement, stronger institutional links and closer cooperation on regional and international issues.
During his stay, President Muizzu will meet President Asif Ali Zardari, who will host a state banquet in his honour. He will also hold restricted and delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to review the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and identify new avenues for cooperation.
The two leaders are expected to discuss ways to strengthen collaboration in trade, investment, health, education, tourism, agriculture, defence, maritime security, climate change and people-to-people exchanges. They will also exchange views on regional and international developments of mutual interest.A key feature of the visit will be the Pakistan–Maldives Business Forum, which is intended to bring together business communities from both countries to explore new trade and investment opportunities.
The forum is expected to provide a platform for identifying areas of commercial complementarity, encouraging private-sector partnerships and facilitating greater interaction between investors and entrepreneurs.
Pakistan and the Maldives have opportunities to expand cooperation in tourism, hospitality, food and agricultural products, healthcare, education and professional services. Greater business-to-business engagement could help diversify bilateral economic relations and create new avenues for private-sector investment.The two governments are also expected to sign a number of agreements and memorandums of understanding covering different areas of bilateral cooperation, reflecting their shared desire to strengthen institutional ties and establish a framework for sustained collaboration.
The state visit comes at a symbolic milestone in Pakistan-Maldives relations, as the two countries mark six decades of diplomatic ties established in 1966.
Over the years, the two countries have maintained friendly relations based on shared religious and cultural affinities, mutual respect and goodwill. They have also cooperated at regional and international forums, supporting engagement on issues of common interest.Maritime security and climate change are particularly relevant to both countries, given their interests in maintaining safe sea routes, protecting marine resources and addressing the environmental and economic challenges facing coastal and island communities.
The Maldives’ geographical position in the Indian Ocean also gives bilateral engagement a wider regional dimension, particularly in areas involving maritime cooperation, connectivity and the sustainable use of ocean resources.
The visit is expected to reinforce the political foundations of Pakistan-Maldives relations while opening practical avenues for cooperation in areas with potential for tangible economic and social benefits.
