Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Wednesday that Pakistan and the Maldives agreed to boost bilateral trade from about $13.9 million to $200 million in two years. Twenty memoranda of understanding and agreements were signed by the two nations to broaden cooperation in trade, technology, health, education, defense, agriculture, and other areas.
During a joint appearance with Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, Shehbaz stated that present trade levels only show a small portion of their economic capabilities. Both nations plan to reach this goal via stronger economic teamwork and proper execution of pacts signed during Muizzu's three day state visit to Pakistan.
This trip is the first by a Maldivian president to Pakistan in 11 years and falls on the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
20 Agreements Cover Trade, Technology and Defense
The pacts span information technology, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, digital skills, health, education, social protection, defense, maritime security, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and environmental cooperation. The two governments also agreed to boost ties in policing, youth development, sports, air connectivity, arts, culture, and heritage.
For trade, the Maldives State Trading Organisation and the Trading Corporation of Pakistan signed an MoU to work together on agricultural commodities, food, and other items. Additional deals involve vocational training, hiring health workers, fighting illegal drug trafficking, and cooperation between the Maldives Food and Drug Authority and the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan.
Shehbaz stated that Pakistan stands ready to broaden medical and professional aid based on Maldivian needs. He mentioned that many Maldivian students attended Pakistani universities and colleges, mainly in health subjects, while roughly 250 Pakistani doctors and medical staff currently work in the Maldives.
Pakistan additionally offered technical know-how in information technology and data center creation. For environmental efforts, Pakistan will supply 100,000 olive cuttings and 100,000 seeds of various plant species to aid the Maldives goal of planting five million trees.
Maldives Seeks More Trade and Climate Cooperation
Muizzu backed the $200 million trade goal and mentioned the nations will work to boost trade and investment, enhance connectivity, and push tourism. He noted the agreements can build new chances in health, education, fisheries, agriculture, technology, policing, and defense, while emphasizing that success relies on bringing real benefits to citizens.
The Maldivian leader additionally pointed to plans to grow scholarships, training, and professional options for young Maldivians, including teamwork in artificial intelligence, digitalization, and new technologies. He welcomed Pakistan backing the tree planting effort and asked for closer work on nature conservation, renewable energy, and climate resilience, calling climate change a direct threat to Maldivian security and future.
Both leaders also talked about regional and global matters. Shehbaz restated Pakistan backing for Palestinian self-determination and an independent, sovereign, and contiguous Palestinian state per United Nations resolutions. Muizzu reaffirmed Maldivian support for an independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Shehbaz also stated the Jammu and Kashmir dispute must be settled per UN Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people. Voicing worry over India deciding to place the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, he stated legally binding global pacts must be honored and shared water assets should not serve as political pressure. He warned that Pakistan would view any breach as an act of war.
The prime minister congratulated Muizzu on getting an honorary doctorate from the International Islamic University Islamabad for his leadership and public service. Muizzu thanked the leadership and people of Pakistan for their welcome, stating the trip provided a chance to form a new partnership period built on six decades of friendship.
