ISLAMABAD: 21 Oct 2026 – Pakistan and the Maldives on Wednesday signed a series of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at deepening bilateral relations in multiple sectors, including defence, IT, cybersecurity, health, education, social protection, agriculture and tourism, among others.
The pacts were signed during the three-day state visit of President of the Maldives Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, which is the first visit by the country’s president in 11 years, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic relations.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Dr Muizzu witnessed the ceremony as the representatives from both sides exchanged the pre-signed documents.
The two countries signed an MoU on cooperation in the fields of information technology, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, digital skills, and technology and innovation. An MoU was inked to strengthen cooperation in combating illicit trafficking and abuse of narcotic drugs.
The two sides also signed an MoU on social protection as well as on health cooperation and between Maldives Food and Drug Authority and the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan.
Both nations signed MoUs focused on the recruitment of health professionals, strengthening defence ties and maritime security cooperation.
With a view to boosting agricultural cooperation, an MoU was signed on the subject between the two countries, besides another one on promoting fisheries cooperation.
To promote ties in technical and vocational education, an MoU on collaboration to promote technical and vocational education and training was signed, while another MoU was inked to promote educational cooperation.
The representatives of Pakistan and Maldives also exchanged documents on MoUs on cooperation in the field of youth and sports development, air connectivity, tourism and in the field of arts, culture and heritage.
The MoUs were signed between the National College of Policy and Law Enforcement of the Maldives Police Service and National Police Academy, Islamabad; Civil Service Commission of Maldives and the Federal Public Service Commission of Pakistan; and Civil Service Commission of Maldives and Civil Service Academy (CSA) of Pakistan.
In order to boost commercial engagement, an MoU was signed between the Maldives State Trading Organisation (STO) and Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) for cooperation in trade of agriculture commodities, food and other products, besides signing another pact aimed at boosting cooperation in the field of environment.
Prime Minister welcoming the President shared on his X, It was a pleasure to welcome my dear brother, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu @MMuizzu, to Pakistan as our two nations celebrate 60 years of fraternal ties.
At my suggestion, President Muizzu and I agreed to enhance our bilateral trade to US$200 million over the next two years, opening new avenues of shared prosperity for our peoples.
In my remarks, I expressed Pakistan’s deep appreciation for the Maldives’ principled support for the Palestinian people, and our close coordination within the Islamic world.
In South Asia, Pakistan remains committed to peace, stability, dialogue and regional economic cooperation.
I reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir remains an internationally recognised dispute, whose just resolution must come in line with UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
I thanked my brother for his sincere commitment to deepening our partnership in trade, investment and maritime cooperation. Together, we will take this cherished friendship to new heights.
