ISLAMABAD (MNN); Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu arrived in Pakistan on Tuesday for a three-day state visit, from October 20 to 22, at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, with a focus on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in multiple sectors.
President Muizzu is accompanied by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed and a high-level delegation comprising cabinet ministers and senior government officials.
Upon their arrival at Islamabad International Airport, the Maldivian president and the first lady were accorded a 21-gun salute as part of the official welcome.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, President Muizzu will receive an official welcome at the Prime Minister’s House on Wednesday.
During the visit, he is scheduled to meet President Asif Ali Zardari, who will host a state banquet in his honour. The visiting president will also hold restricted and delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The Foreign Office has said the two sides will review the full range of bilateral relations and explore ways to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, health, education, tourism, agriculture, defence, maritime security, climate change and people-to-people exchanges.
The leaders will also exchange views on regional and international developments of mutual interest.
A Pakistan–Maldives Business Forum will be held during the visit to strengthen links between the business communities of the two countries and explore new opportunities for trade and investment. Several agreements and memorandums of understanding covering different areas of bilateral cooperation are also expected to be signed, according to the official statement.
The visit is particularly significant as it marks the first state visit to Pakistan by a Maldivian president in 11 years. It also coincides with the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and the Maldives in 1966.
The two countries maintain cordial and fraternal relations based on shared faith, mutual respect, longstanding goodwill and cooperation at regional and international forums.
The Foreign Office spokesperson said the visit reflects the shared resolve of Pakistan and the Maldives to deepen their partnership and open new avenues for mutually beneficial cooperation.
