Trade and maritime security are among the issues expected to feature as Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu began a three-day state visit to Pakistan on Tuesday, Oct. 20, with the countries marking 60 years of diplomatic ties.
Muizzu arrived in Islamabad at the invitation of Pakistan Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. The Maldives President’s Office said First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, Cabinet ministers and senior government officials accompanied him.
The Maldives President’s Office said Muizzu was expected to meet Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said talks with Sharif were expected to cover health, education, tourism, agriculture and climate change, in addition to trade and investment.
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said the visit would include a Pakistan-Maldives Business Forum. The forum’s stated aim is to develop business contacts and opportunities in trade and investment. The ministry also anticipated agreements during the visit, while the Maldives President’s Office said an exchange of memoranda of understanding was expected.
Muizzu was scheduled to receive an official welcome at Prime Minister House on Wednesday, Oct. 21. His visit is the first by a Maldivian president to Pakistan in 11 years, according to Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry. The two countries established diplomatic relations 60 years ago.
