Pakistan and the Maldives have signed 20 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) aimed at strengthening cooperation across various sectors, including defence and maritime security. This significant development occurred during the visit of Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, who arrived in Islamabad on 21 October 2026, at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The signing of these agreements marks the first visit by a Maldivian president in 11 years and coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, established in 1966.

The MoUs encompass a wide range of areas such as defence cooperation, maritime security, information technology, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Additionally, they address issues related to combating illicit trafficking and narcotics, social protection, health, and collaboration between food regulatory authorities. Other agreements focus on the recruitment of health professionals, vocational training, youth and sports development, and enhancing air connectivity.

Further agreements include cooperation between police academies and pacts involving the Civil Services Commission of Maldives with the Federal Public Service Commission and the Civil Service Academy. Separate pacts were also signed in sectors such as agriculture, trade, fisheries, environment, education, tourism, and arts and culture.

Meetings and Discussions

Prior to the signing ceremony, Prime Minister Sharif and President Muizzu engaged in discussions that covered various topics, including economic and trade relations and strategic defence cooperation. Following the signing of the MoUs, both leaders addressed a joint press conference, where PM Sharif expressed optimism about the future of bilateral relations. He stated a commitment to translating the agreements into actionable outcomes through prompt decision-making and swift implementation.

During the press conference, Prime Minister Sharif highlighted the productive nature of their discussions, which included the training of Maldivian citizens in various fields such as police, defence, education, and healthcare in Pakistan. He also announced a target to increase bilateral trade from $13.9 million to $200 million within the next two years, indicating that current ties do not reflect the true potential of their economic cooperation.

In a gesture of goodwill, PM Sharif announced that Pakistan would provide 1,00,000 olive cuttings and 1,00,000 seeds of various plant species to support the plantation of 5 million trees in the Maldives. Additionally, he mentioned that Pakistan would extend technical expertise to assist the Maldives in establishing data centres.

Honours and Ceremonial Events

During his visit, President Muizzu was conferred with an honorary doctorate in politics by the International Islamic University Islamabad. Earlier, he was welcomed at the Prime Minister’s House with a guard of honour, as noted in a statement from the PM Office. The visiting dignitary also participated in a ceremonial planting of a sapling at the PM House, with prayers offered for the progress and prosperity of both nations.

This visit holds particular significance as it marks the first by a Maldivian president since 2015, when former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom undertook a two-day state visit to Pakistan. The agreements signed during this visit are expected to pave the way for enhanced collaboration between the two countries in multiple sectors.

As both nations look forward to implementing these agreements, the strengthening of ties is anticipated to yield mutual benefits, fostering a closer partnership in the years to come.

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