Pakistan Maldives relations are set for a major boost after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu oversaw the signing of 20 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) on Wednesday, with both countries agreeing to increase bilateral trade to $200 million within two years.
The agreements cover defence, maritime security, information technology, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, healthcare, education, tourism, agriculture and several other areas. The two countries also pledged to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, professional training and environmental protection.
Muizzu arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday for a three-day visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. His visit marks the first by a Maldivian president to Pakistan in 11 years and coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, established in 1966.
President of the Maldives H.E. Muhammad Muizzu plants a sapling at the Prime Minister’s House, today. https://t.co/2tP8pPzl6X
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) October 21, 2026
Pakistan and Maldives Target $200 Million in Trade
Addressing a joint press stakeout after the MoU signing ceremony, Shehbaz Sharif described his discussions with the Maldivian president as productive and said both sides had reviewed bilateral cooperation alongside regional and international developments.
The prime minister said the two countries wanted to strengthen economic and trade relations, defence cooperation, professional training and collaboration in healthcare, education and law enforcement.
Pakistan and the Maldives currently have bilateral trade worth approximately $13.9 million. Shehbaz said the existing volume did not reflect the potential of their relationship and announced an ambitious target of increasing trade to $200 million over the next two years.
He also expressed his willingness to work directly with Muizzu to ensure the agreements translate into practical results through timely decisions and effective implementation.
The visit also includes a Pakistan-Maldives Business Forum, intended to bring together business communities from both countries and identify opportunities for trade, investment and commercial partnerships.
20 Agreements Cover Defence, Technology and Healthcare
The 20 MoUs signed during the visit cover a broad range of sectors, reflecting the two governments’ intention to expand cooperation beyond traditional diplomatic relations.
The agreements include defence cooperation, maritime security, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, information technology, combating illicit trafficking and narcotics, social protection, healthcare, recruitment of health professionals, vocational training, youth development and sports.
Other agreements focus on air connectivity, cooperation between police academies, agriculture, trade, fisheries, environmental protection, education, tourism, and arts and culture.
The arrangements also include cooperation between the Maldives’ Civil Service Commission and Pakistan’s Federal Public Service Commission and Civil Service Academy.
Shehbaz highlighted Pakistan’s technical capabilities in data centres and offered to share its experience with the Maldives as the island nation advances plans to establish data centres in different locations.
Healthcare and education also featured prominently in the discussions. The prime minister noted that many Maldivian students were studying at Pakistani universities and colleges, particularly in healthcare-related fields.
He added that approximately 250 Pakistani doctors and other medical professionals were serving in the Maldives. Pakistan expressed its readiness to provide further professional support according to the Maldives’ needs.
Pakistan Offers Support for Maldives’ Tree Plantation Drive
Environmental cooperation emerged as another important area of the visit.
Shehbaz announced that Pakistan would support the Maldives’ plan to promote the plantation of five million trees by providing 100,000 olive cuttings and 100,000 seeds of various plant species within a mutually agreed timeframe.
The initiative is intended to strengthen cooperation in environmental protection and tree plantation while adding a practical dimension to the two countries’ broader partnership.
The visiting president also planted a sapling at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad during the official reception.
Muizzu received a guard of honour presented by contingents of Pakistan’s armed forces before the leaders proceeded with their official engagements.
Shehbaz Sharif Reaffirms Support for Palestine and Kashmir
The discussions also covered major regional and international issues, including Palestine, occupied Jammu and Kashmir and the Indus Waters Treaty.
Shehbaz praised the Maldives for its support for the Palestinian cause and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state.
He also briefed Muizzu on Pakistan’s position regarding occupied Jammu and Kashmir, saying Islamabad supported a peaceful resolution in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
The prime minister further expressed serious concern over India’s decision to place the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance in April 2025.
He maintained that legally binding international agreements must be respected and warned against using shared water resources as instruments of political pressure.
Shehbaz reiterated that Pakistan considers water a critical national interest and said violations concerning shared water resources would have serious consequences for bilateral relations and regional stability.
Ishaq Dar Holds Talks With Maldivian President
Earlier on Wednesday, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met Muizzu and welcomed him and his delegation to Pakistan.
According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, Dar emphasised the importance of expanding bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, education, climate change and tourism.
He also welcomed the Maldivian business delegation participating in the Pakistan-Maldives Business Forum and expressed hope that business-to-business engagements would produce concrete investment and trade opportunities.
Muizzu conveyed his country’s desire to deepen its relationship with Pakistan and explore additional areas of mutually beneficial cooperation.
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The Maldivian president was also conferred an honorary doctorate in politics by the International Islamic University Islamabad. Shehbaz described the recognition as an acknowledgement of Muizzu’s leadership and public service.
A New Chapter in Pakistan Maldives Relations
The signing of 20 MoUs provides a framework for expanding Pakistan Maldives relations across economic, diplomatic, technological and social sectors. However, the long-term impact will depend on how effectively both governments implement the agreements and translate their commitments into measurable outcomes.
The proposed increase in bilateral trade from $13.9 million to $200 million within two years represents a particularly ambitious objective. Business partnerships, improved connectivity and stronger investment links will be important to achieving that target.
As Pakistan and the Maldives mark six decades of diplomatic ties, the visit offers an opportunity to strengthen cooperation between the two South Asian countries and build a more commercially productive partnership.
