# Maldives-Pakistan Strengthen Defense Ties

> Maldives president and Pakistan's PM sign 20 MoUs to boost defense, trade and climate cooperation.
- Title: Maldives-Pakistan Strengthen Defense Ties · Dawn | Shortify
- Summary: Maldives president and Pakistan's PM sign 20 MoUs to boost defense, trade and climate cooperation. Maldives and Pakistan signed 20 memorandums of…
- Keywords: maldives, pakistan, pm shehbaz, cdf munir, defense cooperation, trade, 5m trees, 20 mous, news, politics, Maldives-Pakistan, Strengthen
- Source: Dawn — https://dawn.com/news/2038736/maldives-president-cdf-munir-stress-importance-of-strengthening-defence-cooperation
- Author: News Desk
- Published: 2026-10-21T07:06:55+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: maldives, pakistan, pm shehbaz, cdf munir, defense cooperation, trade, 5m trees, 20 mous, news, politics
## 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.
## Key takeaway

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.