Pakistan Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has expressed strong confidence that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s official visit to Pakistan will elevate Maldives–Pakistan relations to a new level, with economic cooperation, trade, transport connectivity and private-sector engagement emerging as key priorities between the two countries.
Addressing the Maldives–Pakistan Business Forum, Prime Minister Sharif said President Dr Muizzu’s visit had already given fresh momentum to the longstanding friendship between the Maldives and Pakistan and created new opportunities for both governments and business communities to expand cooperation across a broad range of sectors.
A major focus of the discussions has been improving direct transport connectivity between the two countries. Prime Minister Sharif said he had instructed the relevant Pakistani authorities to begin preparations for air services between Pakistan and the Maldives as soon as possible, following an agreement by both sides to strengthen transport links.
He expressed hope that the required arrangements would be completed promptly, allowing direct flights to begin in the near future. The Prime Minister also highlighted the possibility of introducing services through Pakistan International Airlines and other Pakistani carriers, which could significantly improve travel options for tourists, businesspeople, investors and officials travelling between the two countries.
Direct air connectivity could provide an important boost to the Maldives’ tourism industry by opening easier access to the destination from Pakistan, a large and growing outbound travel market. Improved flight links could also support greater business travel, investment activity and people-to-people exchanges, while making the Maldives more accessible to Pakistani travellers seeking its internationally renowned island resorts, private villas, beaches and marine experiences.
The Maldives has developed into one of the world’s most recognised premium tourism destinations, with resorts spread across its atolls offering distinctive island experiences, high-quality hospitality and access to some of the Indian Ocean’s most attractive natural environments. Stronger connectivity with Pakistan could therefore support the Government’s wider efforts to diversify tourism markets, strengthen visitor arrivals and expand economic opportunities linked to the country’s tourism sector.
Prime Minister Sharif also stressed the importance of maritime transport, noting that stronger sea connectivity would be essential for expanding commercial exchanges and achieving the level of trade cooperation envisioned by both governments. He said direct transport links, together with additional agreements and memoranda of understanding, would provide a stronger framework for long-term bilateral economic cooperation.
Trade was highlighted as another major area of opportunity, with the two countries setting a target of increasing bilateral trade to USD 200 million within the next two years. Prime Minister Sharif described the target as a significant opportunity for businesses in both countries and emphasised the importance of developing a comprehensive joint action plan to translate the commitment into measurable results.
He said both sides would need to undertake the necessary preparations and create practical mechanisms to enable businesses to take full advantage of emerging opportunities in trade, investment and commercial cooperation.
As part of the next phase of engagement, Prime Minister Sharif announced that Pakistan plans to send a high-level delegation to the Maldives following President Dr Muizzu’s return. The delegation is expected to include senior government officials and representatives of Pakistan’s business community, with arrangements anticipated within approximately two weeks.
The planned visit is expected to provide further opportunities for direct engagement with Maldivian authorities and businesses, helping identify potential areas for investment, trade partnerships and broader commercial collaboration.
Prime Minister Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s close friendship with the Maldives and said expanding cooperation across multiple sectors would further strengthen the longstanding relationship between the two countries.
During President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s official visit, the Maldives and Pakistan signed 20 memoranda of understanding covering a wide range of areas of bilateral cooperation, reflecting the growing scope of engagement between the two governments.
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