Maldives president to visit Pakistan from October 20 to 22

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu will pay an official visit to Pakistan from October 20 to 22 at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Foreign Office said.

Muizzu will be accompanied by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, cabinet ministers and senior officials, according to the Foreign Office spokesperson.

During the visit, the Maldivian president will hold separate meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Zardari will also host an official dinner in his honour.

Shehbaz and Muizzu will lead delegation-level talks focusing on ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, health, education, agriculture and defence.

Discussions will also cover maritime security, climate change and people-to-people contacts, as well as regional and international developments.

A Pakistan-Maldives Business Forum will also be held during the visit to promote business links and explore investment opportunities between the two countries.

Several agreements and memorandums of understanding are expected to be signed during the trip.

The Foreign Office said the visit would be the first official trip to Pakistan by a Maldivian president in 11 years.

Pakistan and the Maldives are marking the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year.