President Dr Mohamed Muizzu expressed his appreciation to Pakistan in Urdu during an official ceremony in Islamabad on Wednesday, thanking the country’s leadership for the hospitality extended to him and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed during their state visit.
The President made the gesture while addressing a gathering at the official residence of Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, where a ceremonial reception was held in his honour.
Concluding his remarks in Pakistan’s national language, President Muizzu said, “Hum aapki nawazish ke liye shukraguzar hain,” expressing gratitude for the kindness and hospitality shown to the Maldivian delegation.
The brief statement in Urdu added a personal touch to the President’s address, which focused on the longstanding friendship between the Maldives and Pakistan and the importance of strengthening relations between the two countries.
President Muizzu praised the warm reception extended to him and the First Lady, acknowledging the hospitality of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Pakistani government.
The official welcoming ceremony was attended by senior Pakistani government officials and Cabinet ministers, reflecting the significance of the visit as the two countries mark 60 years of diplomatic relations.
The ceremony included the playing of the national anthems of both countries and a guard of honour presented to President Muizzu.
A 21-gun salute was also reported as part of the ceremonial reception.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the President and introduced members of his government who were present for the occasion.
As part of the programme, President Muizzu participated in a commemorative tree-planting ceremony at the Prime Minister’s residence, symbolising the longstanding diplomatic relationship between the Maldives and Pakistan.
The event took place during a three-day state visit that has brought renewed attention to political, economic and institutional cooperation between the two South Asian nations.
During Wednesday’s engagements, the Maldives and Pakistan exchanged 20 Memorandums of Understanding covering a range of sectors, including education, healthcare, defence, trade, transport and technology.
The agreements are intended to strengthen existing partnerships and establish additional opportunities for cooperation between government institutions and other organisations.
Among the arrangements are agreements relating to the recruitment of healthcare professionals, technical and vocational education, maritime security and the supply of essential commodities to the Maldives.
The two countries also agreed to pursue closer cooperation in tourism, agriculture, fisheries, cybersecurity and air connectivity.
The agreements form part of a broader effort to translate the longstanding diplomatic relationship into more extensive practical and economic cooperation.
President Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday afternoon at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
They were received with an official welcome at Islamabad Airport, where a guard of honour was presented.
The visit marks President Muizzu’s first official trip to Pakistan since assuming office in November 2023 and the first visit by a Maldivian head of state to the country in 11 years.
The Maldives and Pakistan established diplomatic relations in 1966, shortly after the Maldives gained independence, and have maintained close ties through cooperation in education, defence training, healthcare and other areas.
Pakistan has also provided educational and professional training opportunities for Maldivians over the years, contributing to institutional links between the two countries.
The current visit is taking place against the backdrop of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, with both governments seeking to expand cooperation and strengthen economic engagement.
President Muizzu is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising Cabinet ministers and senior government officials, who have participated in bilateral discussions and the exchange of agreements.
While the visit has focused heavily on formal diplomatic and economic engagements, the President’s decision to address his hosts in Urdu provided a symbolic acknowledgement of the close relationship between the two countries.
His expression of gratitude came as both governments reaffirmed their commitment to building on six decades of diplomatic ties and pursuing closer cooperation in the years ahead.
