President Muizzu Begins State Visit to Pakistan as Maldives and Pakistan Mark 60 Years of Diplomatic Relations

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed departed the Maldives on Tuesday morning for a State Visit to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, marking an important new chapter in the longstanding relationship between the two countries.

The three-day visit, scheduled from 20 to 22 October 2026, is being undertaken at the invitation of Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. It comes as the Maldives and Pakistan commemorate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, which began on 26 July 1966.

During the visit, President Dr Muizzu is scheduled to hold high-level discussions with the Pakistani leadership focusing on strengthening bilateral cooperation and identifying further opportunities for partnership. Several Memoranda of Understanding covering areas of mutual interest are also expected to be exchanged as part of the official programme.

The State Visit represents the first high-level engagement between the Maldives and Pakistan in a decade and reflects the Government’s continued emphasis on strengthening relations with longstanding international partners. Preparations for the visit have included diplomatic consultations between officials of both countries, with the two sides expressing their commitment to ensuring productive discussions and further expanding bilateral ties.

Relations between the Maldives and Pakistan have developed over six decades through diplomatic engagement, cooperation and shared interests across a range of sectors. The anniversary provides an opportunity for both governments to review the progress achieved over the years while exploring new areas of collaboration that can contribute to the development priorities of both countries.

President Dr Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed are accompanied by a high-level Maldivian delegation comprising Cabinet Ministers and senior Government officials. The visit is expected to further strengthen Maldives–Pakistan relations and provide additional momentum for cooperation between the two countries in the years ahead.