Maldives and Pakistan are worlds of untapped potential for each other: President Dr. Muizzu

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said the Maldives and Pakistan hold significant untapped opportunities for each other, highlighting trade, investment, tourism and connectivity as key areas for expanding their partnership.

Speaking at the exchange of 20 Memoranda of Understanding during his state visit to Pakistan, President Muizzu said his discussions with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif reflected a shared ambition to build a broader and more dynamic relationship.

The Maldives and Pakistan are worlds of untapped potential for each other,

He stated

The President endorsed a target to increase bilateral trade from USD 13 million to USD 200 million within the next two years.

We agreed to work together to expand bilateral trade, promote greater investment, deepen tourism cooperation, and strengthen connectivity between our two countries

He added

He highlighted the Maldives–Pakistan Business Forum, scheduled for the following day, as an opportunity for business leaders, investors and innovators to turn the countries’ longstanding friendship into mutually beneficial partnerships.

President Muizzu also welcomed ongoing discussions on establishing direct flights, noting their potential to bring people closer and create new tourism opportunities.

We also see considerable potential in Halal and Muslim-friendly tourism, where our shared values and experiences provide a strong foundation for partnership

President Dr. Muizzu expressed.

Beyond economic ties, the President outlined plans to broaden opportunities in education, youth development and healthcare.

These include strengthening youth exchanges, expanding skills training, increasing MBBS placements under the Pakistan Technical Assistance Programme and exploring internships for Maldivian medical graduates.

The 20 MoUs cover sectors including health, education, fisheries, agriculture, tourism, information technology, policing and defence. President Muizzu stressed that their success would depend on delivering tangible benefits.

He stated that agreements are meaningful only when they produce results and that the next step is to translate these understandings into tangible opportunities and meaningful benefits for the people of both nations.

With the visit marking 60 years of diplomatic relations, the President said it offered an opportunity “not simply to celebrate the friendship of the past, but to define the partnership of the future.”