ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): President of the Maldives, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday for a three-day official visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
During the visit, several agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) are expected to be signed, aimed at enhancing cooperation between the two nations across key sectors.
According to a statement from the Foreign Office, the distinguished guest was warmly welcomed at Islamabad International Airport by the Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, and the Federal Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training, Wajiha Qamar.
A statement from the Maldivian President’s Office noted that President Muizzu received a grand welcome at the airport, which included a 21-gun salute.
This marks the first visit to Pakistan by a Maldivian President in 11 years. The visit coincides with the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, which began in 1966.
President Muizzu is accompanied by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, as well as a high-level delegation comprising cabinet ministers and senior officials. He will be accorded a formal reception at the Prime Minister’s House on Wednesday.
Prior to this, the Maldivian Foreign Minister arrived in Islamabad, accompanied by cabinet ministers and senior officials.
They were received by the Foreign Office spokesperson, the Director General for South Asia and SAARC, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the Maldives, and the Maldivian High Commissioner to Pakistan.
According to the Foreign Office, President Muizzu will meet with President Asif Ali Zardari during his visit, who will also host a banquet in his honor.
He will hold both restricted and delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during which all aspects of bilateral relations will be reviewed, and opportunities for enhancing cooperation will be discussed.
The discussions will focus on trade, investment, health, education, tourism, agriculture, defense, maritime security, climate change, and people-to-people contacts. The two leaders will also exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.
A business forum will also be organized during the visit to strengthen ties between the business communities of both nations and to explore new opportunities for trade and investment.
The Foreign Office stated that the two countries share a warm and cordial relationship, rooted in a common faith, mutual respect, and long-standing goodwill. This visit reflects a commitment to further strengthening the bilateral partnership for the mutual benefit of the peoples of both nations.
