Islamabad: During the visit of Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Moeizu to Pakistan, the two countries have agreed to increase cooperation in various sectors, including trade, defence, education, tourism and technology. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Maldivian President have set a target of increasing bilateral trade from $13.4 million to $200 million in the next two years.
20 MoUs were exchanged after the two leaders met in Islamabad on October 21, 2026. This visit is taking place on the occasion of the completion of 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries and is the first visit of a Maldivian president to Pakistan after 11 years.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan is ready to provide cooperation to the Maldives in the fields of information technology, health, medicine, food and vocational training. He also announced providing 20 additional undergraduate scholarships annually for Maldivian students. The two countries also agreed to improve air and sea connectivity and increase private sector investment.
During the visit, the Maldivian president was also awarded an honorary doctorate degree in politics and international relations by the International Islamic University Islamabad. The two countries exchanged MoUs for cooperation in several areas, including health, education, defence, maritime security, tourism, agriculture, fisheries and digital technology.
The visit of the President of the Maldives has been viewed by some quarters of the Indian media in the context of regional influence in the Indian Ocean. The Times of India, in a report titled “India Out, Pakistan In?”, raised the question of what significance the growing ties of the Maldives with Islamabad have for New Delhi. However, this media coverage cannot be considered a unanimous position of the entire Indian press or the Indian government.
The Maldivian President, during his address to Pakistan, stressed enhancing the historical ties between the two countries and their future cooperation. His visit is being described as a significant development in the diplomatic relations between Pakistan and the Maldives; however, the practical results of the agreements will depend on their effective implementation.
While discussing regional issues, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also highlighted the importance of cooperation in South Asia and the revival of SAARC. He reiterated Pakistan’s position on the Indus Waters Treaty, saying that there will be no compromise on water rights. Pakistan insists on upholding the treaty and adhering to international laws and relevant mechanisms for resolving disputes.
