Maldivian president arrives in Pakistan for 3-day state visit

By Aamir Latif

ISLAMABAD (AA) - Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday for a three-day state visit to Pakistan, state-run Pakistan Television reported.

It marks the first time a Maldivian president has visited Pakistan in 11 years.

Muizzu will meet President Asif Ali Zardari, who will host a state banquet in his honor, according to a statement by Islamabad's Foreign Ministry.

He will also hold “restricted and delegation-level” talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam and other Cabinet ministers are also accompanying Muizzu.

Muizzu and Sharif will “review the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and explore avenues for further strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, health, education, tourism, agriculture, defense, maritime security, climate change and people-to-people exchanges,” said the Foreign Ministry.

They will also exchange views on regional and international developments of mutual interest.

A Pakistan-Maldives Business Forum will also be held to promote interaction between the two countries’ business communities and explore opportunities for trade and investment.

The visit is expected to see the signing of several agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) covering diverse areas of cooperation.

Pakistan and Maldives established diplomatic relations in 1966, with trade volume exceeding $9 million.

Amir Latif Arain