ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the Maldives have signed a series of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) to expand cooperation across multiple sectors, including defence, information technology, cybersecurity, health, education, agriculture and tourism.
The agreements were signed on Wednesday during a three-day state visit by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, the first visit by a Maldivian president to Pakistan in 11 years.
The visit coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Muizzu witnessed the ceremony as officials from both sides exchanged the signed documents.
Defence and Technology
The two countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in information technology, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, digital skills, technology and innovation.
They also signed agreements to enhance defence ties and maritime security cooperation, recruit health professionals and combat the illicit trafficking and abuse of narcotic drugs.
Other agreements cover social protection, health cooperation and collaboration between the Maldives Food and Drug Authority and Pakistan’s Drug Regulatory Authority.
Education and Agriculture
Pakistan and the Maldives signed MoUs to expand cooperation in agriculture and fisheries, alongside agreements on technical and vocational education and training and broader educational cooperation.
The two sides also agreed to promote collaboration in youth and sports development, air connectivity, tourism, arts, culture and heritage.
Further agreements were exchanged between the Maldives Police Service’s National College of Policy and Law Enforcement and Pakistan’s National Police Academy in Islamabad.
The countries also agreed to strengthen institutional links between the Civil Service Commission of the Maldives and Pakistan’s Federal Public Service Commission and Civil Service Academy.
Trade and Environment
To expand commercial engagement, the Maldives State Trading Organisation and the Trading Corporation of Pakistan signed an MoU on trade in agricultural commodities, food and other products.
Another agreement aims to strengthen cooperation on environmental issues.
The agreements reflect efforts by Islamabad and Malé to broaden bilateral cooperation beyond traditional diplomatic ties, with an emphasis on trade, security, technology and people-to-people links.
