Pakistan Maldives bilateral trade is set to expand after the two countries agreed to increase their trade volume from $130 million to $200 million within two years. The announcement came during Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s three-day state visit to Pakistan, which began on Tuesday.
Pakistan and the Maldives also exchanged 20 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) on Wednesday to strengthen cooperation across several sectors. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Muizzu witnessed the exchange ceremony in Islamabad. The agreements cover trade, defence, information technology, cybersecurity, healthcare, education, agriculture and tourism.
President Muizzu received a guard of honour at the Prime Minister’s House, where Shehbaz Sharif formally welcomed him. The two leaders held individual and delegation-level meetings to discuss bilateral relations and future cooperation. The Maldivian president also planted a sapling at the premises. His visit marks the first by a Maldivian president to Pakistan in 11 years, as both countries celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations.
The agreements include cooperation in artificial intelligence, digital skills, technological innovation and maritime security. Both countries also agreed to strengthen healthcare services, social protection and efforts against illegal drug trafficking. Additional agreements cover the recruitment of healthcare professionals and cooperation between their respective drug regulatory authorities.
President of the Maldives H.E. Muhammad Muizzu receives guard of honor at the Prime Minister’s House Islamabad. https://t.co/UNPtaGiFnz
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) October 21, 2026
Economic cooperation formed a major part of the discussions. Pakistan and the Maldives signed agreements covering agricultural products, fisheries, food supplies and commercial exchanges. The Maldives State Trading Organisation and Pakistan’s Trading Corporation of Pakistan also agreed to cooperate in trade. Both sides aim to expand business opportunities and strengthen commercial links through these arrangements.
Education, skills development and cultural exchanges also featured in the agreements. The countries agreed to promote technical and vocational training, higher education, youth development and sports. They also signed agreements covering tourism, arts, heritage and improved air connectivity. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar separately met President Muizzu and highlighted opportunities in trade, investment, education, climate change and tourism.
Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan would provide technical assistance to the Maldives in information technology, including support for its expanding digital infrastructure. He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for an independent Palestinian state and a peaceful resolution of international disputes. On Kashmir, he reiterated Pakistan’s position that a settlement should reflect the wishes of the Kashmiri people and relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. Both countries are expected to pursue the agreed trade target and implement the 20 MoUs to deepen their partnership.
