Islamabad, Oct 2026 : Pakistan and the Maldives on Wednesday signed 20 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to expand bilateral cooperation across several sectors, including defence, maritime security, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, trade, healthcare and education.
The agreements were signed during Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu’s three-day visit to Islamabad, which began on Tuesday at the invitation of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The visit is 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.
Prime Minister Sharif and President Muizzu held bilateral talks before attending the signing ceremony. The two leaders later addressed a joint press conference, outlining their commitment to strengthening cooperation and translating the agreements into tangible outcomes.
The MoUs cover defence cooperation, maritime security, information technology, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. Other areas include combating illicit trafficking and narcotics, social protection, healthcare, cooperation between food regulatory authorities, recruitment of health professionals, vocational training, youth and sports development, and enhanced air connectivity.
Agreements were also signed to strengthen cooperation between police academies, as well as between the Maldives Civil Service Commission and Pakistan’s Federal Public Service Commission and Civil Service Academy. Separate pacts covered agriculture, trade, fisheries, environmental protection, education, tourism, and arts and culture.
Addressing the joint press conference, Sharif described the discussions as productive and fruitful, saying they covered economic and trade relations, strategic defence cooperation, and support for Maldivian citizens pursuing training and education in Pakistan.
He said both countries had agreed to increase bilateral trade from the current USD 13.9 million to USD 200 million within the next two years. According to the Pakistani prime minister, the existing trade volume did not adequately reflect the potential of the two countries’ economic partnership.
Sharif also expressed his willingness to work closely with Muizzu to ensure the agreements were implemented through prompt decision-making and effective execution. He emphasised that the two countries would continue to deepen their relationship in the years ahead.
As part of cooperation in environmental protection and plantation, Pakistan agreed to provide the Maldives with 100,000 olive cuttings and 100,000 seeds of various plant species. The assistance is intended to support the Maldivian initiative to plant five million trees.
Pakistan also offered technical expertise to help the Maldives develop data centres at locations outside the country, reflecting the two sides’ interest in expanding cooperation in digital infrastructure and technology.
Healthcare and education featured prominently in the discussions. Sharif noted that a substantial number of Maldivian students were studying at Pakistani universities and colleges, particularly in healthcare-related disciplines. He added that around 250 Pakistani doctors and other paramedical professionals were serving in the Maldives.
During the visit, Muizzu was accorded a guard of honour at the Prime Minister’s House, according to a statement from the Pakistani Prime Minister’s Office. The Maldivian president also planted a sapling on the premises, while prayers were offered for the progress and prosperity of both nations.
Later, the International Islamic University Islamabad conferred an honorary doctorate in politics on Muizzu.
The visit marks a significant diplomatic engagement between the two South Asian countries as they seek to broaden cooperation beyond their longstanding bilateral relationship. With agreements spanning security, trade, technology, human resource development and environmental initiatives, both governments have signalled their intention to build a more comprehensive partnership as they mark six decades of diplomatic ties.
(Disclaimer :The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)
