Maldives-Pakistan Strengthen Defense Ties
Maldives president and Pakistan's PM sign 20 MoUs to boost defense, trade and climate cooperation.
In brief
Maldives president and Pakistan's PM sign 20 MoUs to boost defense, trade and climate cooperation. Maldives and Pakistan signed 20 memorandums of understanding to strengthen defense cooperation, raise bilateral trade from $13.9m to $200m in two years, and plant 5m trees. Originally reported by Dawn.
Maldives President Visits Pakistan
Maldivian president Dr Mohamed Muizzu arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday for a three-day visit, the first by a Maldivian president to Pakistan in 11 years.
60th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations
The visit marks the first by a Maldivian president to Pakistan in 11 years, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of Pakistan-Maldives diplomatic relations established in 1966.
Defense Cooperation Emphasis
Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir and President Muizzu underscored the importance of strengthening bilateral defense cooperation during discussions in Islamabad.
20 MoUs Signed
Pakistan and the Maldives signed 20 memorandums of understanding covering defense, IT, cybersecurity, health, education, agriculture, tourism, and climate resilience.
Trade Target
Both countries agreed to raise bilateral trade from $13.9 million to $200 million in two years, with Pakistan providing 100,000 olive cuttings and 100,000 seeds for 5m tree plantations.
Climate Action
The Maldives and Pakistan committed to climate resilience, sustainable waste management, renewable energy, and supporting the Five Million Tree Initiative through joint efforts.
Defense and Security Cooperation
The two countries signed an MoU to strengthen defense ties and maritime security cooperation, including joint training and intelligence sharing.
Health and Education Links
Pakistan and the Maldives agreed to expand health and education cooperation, including training Maldivian students in Pakistani universities and sending 250 Pakistani doctors to the Maldives.
Tourism and Investment
The leaders highlighted potential for halal tourism, direct flights between Pakistan and the Maldives, and business forums to explore mutual investment opportunities.
Palestinian Solidarity
Both countries reaffirmed support for the Palestinian right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state of Palestine.
Water Treaty Concerns
PM Shehbaz expressed serious concern over India's decision to place the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance in April 2025, calling it a violation of an international binding treaty.
Water as Lifeline
PM Shehbaz warned that water is a lifeline for humanity and any violation of water treaties would be regarded as an act of war by Pakistan.
Business Forum
A Pakistan-Maldives Business Forum will be held to promote interaction between business communities and explore trade and investment opportunities.
5m Tree Plantation
Pakistan will support Malé in planting 5m trees by providing 100,000 olive cuttings and 100,000 seeds of various plant species within a mutually decided timeframe.
Climate Vulnerability
The Maldives emphasized that climate change is a direct challenge to its security, development, and future, not just an abstract environmental concern.
Next Steps
The two countries agreed to build a new era of partnership on the foundations of their six decades of friendship, with concrete actions to translate agreements into tangible benefits.
The short version
Maldives and Pakistan signed 20 memorandums of understanding to strengthen defense cooperation, raise bilateral trade from $13.9m to $200m in two years, and plant 5m trees.
