Maldives and Pakistan agree to strengthen regional and international cooperation

Maldives and Pakistan have held discussions on regional and international relations as part of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s ongoing state visit to Pakistan. 

The meeting took place on Wednesday at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad, where President Muizzu met with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, the President’s Office said.

During the talks, President Muizzu thanked Pakistan for the warm hospitality extended to the Maldivian delegation. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed his pleasure in welcoming the President and reaffirmed the long-standing friendship between the two nations. The two leaders discussed strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, health, education, environment, tourism, fisheries, agriculture, youth and sports.

Prime Minister and I have agreed to turn a new leaf. To build a new era of partnership on the foundations of our six decades of friendship. An era that will deliver greater opportunity, greater prosperity, and greater benefits to our peoples. Insha'Allah. #MaldivesPakistan https://t.co/jBHVOPjqnw

— The President's Office (@presidencymv) October 21, 2026

They also outlined priorities for collaboration in defence, security, training and capacity-building, as well as regional and international relations. President Muizzu thanked Prime Minister Sharif for Pakistan’s assistance to the Maldives’ Five Million Trees programme.

Concluding the talks, both leaders agreed to further strengthen cooperation on issues of mutual priority in the international arena. The two countries have agreed to increase bilateral trade from USD 13 million to USD 200 million over the next two years and enhance cooperation regionally and internationally. President Muizzu is visiting Pakistan at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.