Islamabad, October 21,2026: Pakistan and Maldives on Wednesday agreed to increase bilateral trade from the current $13.4 million to $200 million within the next two years as Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu held delegation-level talks in Islamabad and witnessed the exchange of 20 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) across multiple sectors.
The talks, held at the Prime Minister’s House, focused on strengthening bilateral relations, expanding economic cooperation and exploring new avenues of partnership in trade, investment, tourism, food security, pharmaceuticals and private-sector engagement.
President Muizzu was received by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif upon his arrival and accorded a formal welcome ceremony. The visiting president inspected the Guard of Honour and planted a commemorative sapling.
During the restricted and delegation-level meetings, the two leaders reviewed bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and international developments. The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to its longstanding fraternal ties with Maldives and support for the country’s national development priorities.
Both sides emphasized the need to improve air and maritime connectivity and agreed on the early convening of the Joint Economic Commission to advance economic cooperation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to supply essential food commodities and pharmaceuticals to Maldives, including through government-to-government arrangements. He also announced 20 additional undergraduate scholarships annually for Maldivian students and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to expanding cooperation in healthcare, professional training and capacity building.
Pakistan to support Maldives’ five million tree initiative
In a significant environmental cooperation initiative, Pakistan announced support for the Maldivian president’s Five Million Tree Initiative by providing 100,000 olive cuttings and 100,000 seeds of various plant species over the next 12 months, subject to seasonal availability.
Pakistan will also assist in producing one million plants over three years by deploying experts to help establish nurseries in Maldives.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening cooperation in plantation, environmental protection and sustainable development.
20 MoUs cover key sectors
Following the talks, the two leaders witnessed the exchange of 20 MoUs covering health, education, technical training, tourism, civil aviation, agriculture, fisheries, defence, maritime security, law enforcement, civil service cooperation, social protection, culture, youth and other areas.
At a joint press stakeout, both leaders expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of their discussions and stressed the importance of timely implementation of the agreements to ensure tangible benefits for the people of the two countries.
On regional and international matters, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to peace, dialogue, respect for sovereignty and international law. Prime Minister Shehbaz appreciated Maldives’ principled support for Palestine and shared Pakistan’s perspectives on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, the Indus Waters Treaty and regional security developments.
Honorary doctorate for President Muizzu
During a special ceremony, the International Islamic University Islamabad conferred an honorary PhD in Politics and International Relations on President Muizzu in recognition of his leadership, distinguished public service and contributions to the development of Maldives.
The prime minister also hosted a luncheon in honour of the visiting president and his delegation.
The state visit, the first by a Maldivian president to Pakistan in 11 years, coincides with the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The visit marks an important step towards strengthening their longstanding partnership and expanding cooperation across economic, environmental, educational and other key sectors.
