Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu arrived in Pakistan on Tuesday for a three-day state visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He was accompanied by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed and a high-level delegation that includes cabinet ministers and senior officials. On arrival at Islamabad International Airport, the president and the first lady received a 21-gun salute.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Muizzu will receive an official welcome at the Prime Minister’s House the following day. The visit runs from October 20 to 22.
Talks, banquet and bilateral cooperation agenda
Muizzu will meet his Pakistani counterpart, President Asif Ali Zardari, who will host a State Banquet in his honour. He will also hold restricted and delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Also read: Maldives president Muizzu to visit Pakistan October 20-22
A Foreign Office spokesperson said the leaders would review the full range of bilateral relations. They plan to explore ways to expand cooperation in trade, investment, health, education, tourism, agriculture, defence, maritime security, climate change and people-to-people exchanges, and will also discuss regional and international issues of mutual interest.
Business forum and agreements expected during visit
The programme includes a Pakistan–Maldives Business Forum, intended to bring the business communities of the two countries closer and identify new trade and investment opportunities. According to the statement, a number of agreements and memorandums of understanding covering diverse areas of cooperation are expected to be signed.
State visit marks 60 years of diplomatic ties
The visit is the first by a Maldivian president to Pakistan in eleven years. It coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, established in 1966. The statement described the relationship as warm and fraternal, rooted in shared faith, mutual respect and close cooperation at regional and international forums. The spokesperson said the visit reflects both countries’ commitment to strengthening their partnership.
