Pakistan, Maldives Sign 20 MoUs to Deepen Strategic Cooperation

Pakistan and the Maldives signed 20 memorandums of understanding in Islamabad on Wednesday as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu pledged to broaden cooperation between the two countries. The agreements were concluded during Muizzu’s three-day state visit, the first undertaken by a Maldivian president to Pakistan in 11 years.

The wide-ranging documents cover defence cooperation, maritime security, information technology, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and digital skills. Additional agreements address efforts against illicit narcotics trafficking, social protection, healthcare, food and drug regulation, and the recruitment of health professionals.

Both governments also agreed to expand collaboration in agriculture, fisheries, education, technical and vocational training, youth development and sports. Other areas include air connectivity, tourism, environmental protection, trade, civil-service cooperation, policing, and the promotion of arts, culture and heritage.

Speaking after the signing ceremony, Shehbaz said the two countries would continue strengthening their relationship for the future. He welcomed Muizzu and his delegation while highlighting six decades of diplomatic relations, which were established in 1966 and have developed through shared regional interests and longstanding political goodwill.

Muizzu received a guard of honour at the Prime Minister’s House before holding talks with Shehbaz. The national anthems of both countries were played, the leaders introduced their delegations, and the visiting president planted a sapling on the premises before the formal discussions and document exchange.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also met Muizzu earlier in the day. Dar called for greater cooperation in trade, investment, education, climate change and tourism, while the Maldivian leader expressed interest in exploring additional areas of mutually beneficial engagement with Pakistan.

Commercial relations are expected to receive further attention through a Pakistan-Maldives Business Forum being held during the visit. The forum is intended to connect business communities and identify practical investment and trade opportunities, complementing an agreement between the Maldives State Trading Organisation and the Trading Corporation of Pakistan covering agricultural commodities, food and other products.

The agreements also create institutional links between police training academies, public-service commissions and civil-service training bodies. These arrangements could support professional exchanges and capacity building while giving both governments structured channels for implementing cooperation beyond high-level diplomatic meetings.

Muizzu’s visit follows the 2015 state trip by former Maldivian president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom and comes amid renewed engagement between the two countries. A Maldivian parliamentary delegation also held talks with senior Pakistani officials last month, indicating that the relationship has been expanding through political, security and parliamentary contacts.

Attention will now turn to whether the 20 MoUs produce measurable projects, improved air links, expanded trade and sustained institutional cooperation. Muizzu is also expected to meet President Asif Ali Zardari, while officials and business representatives from both countries continue discussions during the remainder of the state visit.