President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has described his first state visit to Pakistan as highly successful, saying the three-day trip has opened a new chapter in bilateral relations and established a foundation for stronger economic cooperation between the two countries.
In a message shared on social media following the conclusion of his visit, President Muizzu expressed confidence that the agreements and discussions held in Islamabad would create new opportunities for businesses and deliver long-term benefits to the people of both nations.
A central outcome of the visit was a commitment to significantly expand bilateral trade, with both governments setting an ambitious target of increasing trade from approximately USD 13 million to USD 200 million over the next two years.
The target represents a substantial increase in commercial activity between the Maldives and Pakistan, whose economic relationship has remained relatively modest despite six decades of close diplomatic ties.
President Muizzu highlighted the Maldives-Pakistan Business Forum, which he attended alongside Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, as an important step towards achieving that goal.
He said the forum provided an opportunity to strengthen connections between businesses, encourage investment and develop commercial partnerships capable of translating the trade target into practical results.
The President emphasised that closer engagement between the private sectors of both countries would be essential to expanding trade and identifying new areas of economic cooperation.
Another major outcome of the visit was the exchange of 20 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering a wide range of sectors, including trade, healthcare, education, defence, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, technology and transport.
The agreements are intended to establish new avenues for cooperation between government institutions and other organisations, while strengthening existing partnerships.
Among the arrangements are initiatives relating to air connectivity, the recruitment of healthcare professionals, technical and vocational education, maritime security and the supply of essential commodities.
An agreement between the State Trading Organization (STO) of the Maldives and the Trading Corporation of Pakistan also provides a framework for closer cooperation in the supply of essential goods.
President Muizzu said the agreements reflected a shared commitment to pursuing practical cooperation rather than limiting bilateral engagement to diplomatic discussions.
During his visit to the Maldivian Embassy in Islamabad, the President instructed officials to prioritise implementation of the agreements, stressing that the work must continue after the conclusion of the state visit.
He also indicated that additional staffing support should be considered if necessary to help the embassy coordinate the implementation process.
The President’s emphasis on follow-up measures reflects the importance both governments have placed on ensuring that the agreements produce tangible outcomes.
In his concluding message, President Muizzu said discussions with Pakistan’s leadership had resulted in a shared understanding to elevate bilateral relations and pursue a stronger partnership built on mutual trust and common interests.
He described the visit as a milestone in the relationship between the Maldives and Pakistan, expressing optimism that the latest engagements would create opportunities for economic growth and greater prosperity.
The visit took place as the two countries commemorate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, which were formally established in 1966.
Pakistan has maintained longstanding ties with the Maldives, particularly in education, defence training, healthcare and institutional cooperation.
The President’s visit, undertaken at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, was the first by a Maldivian head of state to Pakistan in 11 years.
During the trip, President Muizzu held high-level discussions with Pakistani leaders, participated in official ceremonies and attended engagements aimed at expanding diplomatic and economic cooperation.
He also extended an invitation to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to visit the Maldives, expressing his willingness to continue the dialogue initiated during the state visit.
In his farewell message, President Muizzu thanked Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the government and the people of Pakistan for the hospitality extended to him and the Maldivian delegation.
He said he was returning to the Maldives with positive memories of the visit and renewed confidence in the future of relations between the two countries.
Looking ahead, the President expressed hope that the partnership would continue to grow beyond its existing foundations, with greater emphasis on economic opportunities, sustainable development and cooperation that directly benefits citizens.
While the USD 200 million trade target and the newly exchanged agreements represent commitments that will require further implementation, President Muizzu characterised the visit as the beginning of a new phase in Maldives-Pakistan relations.
He reaffirmed his belief that the shared vision established during the visit would strengthen the partnership and create opportunities for both countries in the years ahead.
