Tazeen Akhtar
MALE / Maldives Islands : General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, NI, NI (M), Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), undertook an official visit to Maldives from 22 to 23 Oct 25. During the visit, CJCSC called on H.E. Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, President of Maldives, H.E. Mr. Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon, Defence Minister and Major General Ibrahim Hilmy, Chief of Defence Force of Maldives.
The visit is important with respect to recent developments in Sout Asia , Indian aggression against Pakistan, Indian military designs in Arabian Sea and in Indian Ocean.
Maldives located at a highly strategic position in Indian Ocean is the center of attraction for many countries including India, US and China for a race of supremacy in this very busy ocean for marine trade of the world.
President of Maldives have asserted the soverignty of his country in the past months refusing taking dictation from India and strengthening relations with China. The President sent Indian troops deployed in Maldives back few months ago.
The High Commissioner of Pakistan, Vice Admiral (R) Faisal Rasul Lodhi, accompanied the CJCSC and his delegation throughout the official engagements.
Leadership on both sides acknowledged and reaffirmed the historic brotherly relationship between the two countries. It was underscored that the bilateral relations are based on strong foundation of our shared faith, mutual respect for each others’ sovereign values and an unwavering mutual trust.
Both sides held discussions on evolving global and regional security environment and issues of mutual interest, including bilateral defence and security cooperation.
They also considered avenues to further enhance military-to-military engagements between the two countries and reaffirmed shared commitment to further strengthening the partnership.
The civil-military leadership of Maldives lauded the professionalism of Pakistan Armed Forces and acknowledged their sacrifices in fight against terrorism. Earlier, upon arrival at MNDF Headquarters, a smartly turned-out contingent presented Guard of Honour to CJCSC.
General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, along with his delegation, also called on the High Commissioner of Pakistan, Vice Admiral (r) Faisal Rasul Lodhi at Pakistan’s High Commission in Hulhumale on 23 Oct 25.
The High Commissioner thanked the CJCSC for visiting Maldives and the Pakistan’s High Commission which is a source of encouragement for the Mission. During discussions it was acknowledged that Maldives is an important partner of Pakistan in the region and our historic brotherly relationship are based on strong foundation of our shared faith, mutual respect for each others’ sovereign values and an unwavering mutual trust.
Both dignitaries underscored that enormous potential exists for further expanding scope and scale of bilateral cooperation with Maldives across the entire spectrum of bilateral collaboration, focusing trade, education, health, climate change, tourism and specially in realm of defence/military cooperation and maritime security.
The CJCSC appreciated the Mission’s diplomatic efforts for actively pursuing the bilateral relations along a positive trajectory.
