Key Takeaways
- President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed concluded their State Visit to Pakistan.
- The visit, from 20 to 22 October 2026, coincided with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
- Both nations agreed to increase bilateral trade to USD 200 million within two years.
His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed have concluded their State Visit to Pakistan, returning to Malé on 22 October 2026.
The visit, which lasted from 20 to 22 October 2026, was undertaken at the invitation of His Excellency Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan, and coincided with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Pakistan.
During the visit, President Dr Muizzu held official talks with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and met with key Pakistani officials, including the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, the Chief of Army Staff, the Speaker of the National Assembly, and the Chairman of the Senate.
The discussions focused on deepening bilateral relations, with a particular emphasis on trade and investment, health, education, tourism, fisheries and agriculture, youth and sports, defence and security, and regional and multilateral cooperation.
The visit resulted in the exchange of 20 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to strengthen cooperation across various sectors, and both countries committed to increasing bilateral trade to USD 200 million within the next two years.
Addressing the Maldives–Pakistan Business Forum 2026 in Islamabad, President Dr Muizzu invited 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 the national airline, Maldivian, aims to introduce direct flights between Malé and Karachi soon, aiming to strengthen connectivity and create new opportunities for trade and tourism.
Engagements to strengthen people-to-people ties and cooperation in education, healthcare, culture, and environmental protection were also part of the visit.
Pakistan announced its support for the Maldives’ five-million-tree initiative through a contribution of 100,000 olive cuttings and 100,000 seeds of various plant species.
The visit concluded with both countries reaffirming their commitment to translating the agreements and understandings reached into tangible benefits for their people, building on six decades of friendship and cooperation.
