The Maldives and Pakistan have signed 20 agreements aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors, including a memorandum of understanding on military ties.
The agreements were concluded during President Mohamed Muizzu’s state visit to Pakistan, the first by a Maldivian head of state in more than a decade. High-level talks accompanied the signings between Maldivian and Pakistani officials.
The pacts span technology and cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, efforts against narcotics, social protection, health sector cooperation including support for the Maldives Food and Drug Authority, recruitment of healthcare professionals, bilateral military cooperation, maritime security, agricultural development, fisheries, technical and vocational training, education, youth and sports, expansion of air connectivity, tourism, arts, culture and heritage, cooperation between police academies, civil service commissions, trade in agricultural products via the State Trading Organisation and Pakistan’s Trading Corporation, and environmental cooperation.
President Muizzu met Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during the visit. Officials from both sides highlighted opportunities to expand collaboration in areas of mutual interest.
The military cooperation MoU focuses on enhancing defence ties, military training and regional stability. Other agreements seek to support practical exchanges in health personnel, technical skills and trade facilitation.
The visit occurs as the Maldives manages its broader foreign relations. President Muizzu took office on a platform that emphasised greater distance from India, later pursuing engagement with New Delhi amid economic pressures, including a recent currency swap arrangement with India.
Pakistani leaders welcomed the Maldivian delegation and expressed support for expanded people-to-people and economic links. Discussions also covered the potential for direct flights between the two countries.
The full list of agreements provides a framework for follow-up work between the relevant ministries and agencies. Implementation details will depend on subsequent technical consultations and resource allocation.
The state visit concluded with a banquet hosted by the Pakistani side. First Lady Sajidha Mohamed held separate meetings focused on public health and women’s issues.
