Pakistan and Maldives Agree to Expand Bilateral Trade to $200 Million Within Two Years; Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu Reaffirm Deepening Ties
ISLAMABAD: This is a historic step in diplomatic and economic ties between two nations and a promise to boost their bilateral trade from $13 million to $200 million over the next two years.
The development occurred during the high-level exchange of delegations and signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Islamabad. Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, the President of the Maldives, received a formal and warm welcome at the Prime Minister’s House, where he was met by contingents of the three armed services wearing smart uniforms and performing national anthems and a 21 gun salute ceremony. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the visiting dignitary personally, presented his ministers and attended along with Maldivian President to plant a sapling on the lawns of the Prime Minister’s House.
The following are the highlights of bilateral talks and agreements with Pakistan and Maldives.
In the joint media session Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted that the visit of a Maldivian President after 11 years is a significant moment, and added that the event will help increase the country’s economic and trade expansion. Both leaders also agreed to accelerate the process of trade promotion and promote closer corporate ties in the Pakistan-Maldives Business Forum.
IT, Education, Healthcare Cooperation: Prime Minister Sharif stated that Pakistan will extend expert assistance in the field of information technology to the Maldives; a huge number of Maldivian students are studying in Pakistan’s institutions and Pakistani doctors and medical staffs are working in the Maldives.
President Muizzu’s Remarks: The need for the expansion of youth exchange programs, the use of artificial intelligence, digitalization and modern technology was emphasized by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. He underscored that the threat of climate change is harsh, and called for joint efforts between the two countries in the field of bilateral action and technical cooperation.