Maldivian president concludes Pakistan tour with $200m trade target
Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu has concluded his three-day state visit to Pakistan, with the two countries agreeing to increase bilateral trade to $200 million within the next two years and exchanging 20 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) to expand cooperation across key sectors.
President Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed returned to Malé after the visit, held from October 20 to 22 at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The visit coincided with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
During the visit, Muizzu held talks with PM Shehbaz and met President Asif Ali Zardari, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani.
The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in trade and investment, healthcare, education, tourism, fisheries, agriculture, youth and sports, defence and security, and regional and multilateral affairs.
The two leaders witnessed the exchange of 20 MoUs aimed at expanding cooperation across various sectors.
Addressing the Maldives-Pakistan Business Forum 2026 in Islamabad, Muizzu urged Pakistani businesses to establish long-term partnerships with the Maldives and explore investment opportunities in food security, healthcare, construction, engineering, renewable energy and Islamic finance.
He also announced that Maldivian, the Maldives’ national airline, aims to launch direct flights between Malé and Karachi soon. The proposed service is expected to improve connectivity and create opportunities for trade and tourism.
The visit also included engagements to strengthen people-to-people ties and cooperation in education, healthcare, culture and environmental protection.
Pakistan pledged support for the Maldives’ five-million-tree initiative by contributing 100,000 olive cuttings and 100,000 seeds of various plant species.
Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the agreements reached during the visit and translating them into tangible benefits for their people.
President Muizzu was accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising cabinet ministers and senior government officials.