Pakistan Army Chief reaffirms ‘Fraternal’ ties with Maldives

Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation with the Maldives during a meeting with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu in Islamabad.

Munir paid a courtesy call on President Muizzu on Wednesday night, with both sides reaffirming the longstanding fraternal relations between the two countries.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed matters of mutual interest, the regional security situation and opportunities to enhance bilateral cooperation, particularly in defence and security.

They also underscored the importance of strengthening institutional ties and professional exchanges between the two countries.

The meeting took place during President Muizzu’s State Visit to Pakistan from 20 to 22 October, undertaken at the invitation of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.

The visit coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Pakistan.

During the visit, President Muizzu also met Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and held official talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss expanding cooperation across several sectors.

The two countries exchanged 20 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) covering areas including health, education, defence, maritime security, tourism, fisheries, agriculture, information technology, cybersecurity, civil aviation and law enforcement.

The agreements are intended to broaden bilateral cooperation and strengthen institutional partnerships.

A key outcome of the visit was an agreement to increase bilateral trade from approximately USD 13 million to USD 200 million within the next two years

. The two sides also discussed expanding investment, improving air and maritime connectivity, and strengthening cooperation in food security and pharmaceuticals.

The visit marks the first State Visit by a Maldivian president to Pakistan in 11 years, highlighting renewed efforts by the two countries to deepen their longstanding relationship and expand cooperation across areas of mutual interest.