President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s State Visit to Pakistan comes at a significant moment in the longstanding friendship between the Maldives and Pakistan, as the two countries mark 60 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations and seek to open a new chapter of closer cooperation.
The Maldives and Pakistan established diplomatic relations on 26 July 1966, a year after the Maldives gained independence. Over the six decades since, relations have been shaped not only by formal diplomatic engagement but also by shared Islamic values, close people-to-people connections and longstanding cooperation across a range of sectors.
Pakistan was among the countries that supported the Maldives during important stages of its national development. Habib Bank established operations in the Maldives in 1976, contributing to the development of the country’s banking sector, while Pakistan also provided technical assistance during the preparation of the Maldives’ Fourth Constitution. Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom acknowledged Pakistan’s contribution while presenting the draft Constitution to the Special Parliament in 1981.
High-level exchanges have played an important role in developing bilateral relations. President Gayyoom visited Pakistan in 1984, helping to strengthen political engagement between the two countries. The following year, President General Zia-ul-Haq travelled to the Maldives in what became the first State Visit to the country by a Pakistani head of state.
Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif also maintained close engagement with the Maldives over several decades. He first travelled to the Maldives in 1990 to participate in the fifth SAARC Summit and later represented Pakistan when the Maldives hosted the regional summit again in 1997. Pakistan was represented by then-Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani when the Maldives hosted the SAARC Summit in 2011.
Among the most visible symbols of the longstanding partnership is the building of the People’s Majlis. Pakistan supported the development of the Parliament building, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif during his visit to the Maldives in 1998. The building remains an important institution in the country’s democratic and legislative system.
President Gayyoom also participated in SAARC summits hosted in Pakistan in 1988 and 2004, reflecting the close engagement between the two countries within regional platforms. Pakistan’s then-Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz also visited the Maldives in 2004.
The friendship between the two nations has extended beyond diplomatic engagements to assistance during difficult periods. Following the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami in December 2004, Pakistani military vessels were deployed to assist tourists and support response efforts in the Maldives, demonstrating Pakistan’s solidarity with the country during a major national emergency.
Following President Gayyoom, former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom travelled to Pakistan in 2015, continuing the tradition of high-level engagement between Malé and Islamabad. However, the current State Visit by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu represents the first high-level engagement between the two countries in a decade.
President Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed departed for Pakistan on 20 October 2026 for the State Visit, which continues until 22 October at the invitation of Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. During the visit, President Muizzu is scheduled to hold high-level discussions with Pakistani leaders, while several Memoranda of Understanding covering areas of mutual cooperation are expected to be exchanged.
The timing of the visit carries particular significance as the Maldives and Pakistan commemorate six decades of diplomatic relations. President Muizzu’s Government has continued to place strong emphasis on strengthening international partnerships and expanding cooperation with friendly nations in areas that can contribute to the Maldives’ development and long-term national interests.
The State Visit provides an opportunity for both countries to build on their historic friendship while identifying new areas of cooperation in economic development, trade, education, capacity-building and other mutually beneficial sectors. It also reflects the Government’s broader foreign policy approach of maintaining constructive relations with international partners while pursuing opportunities that support the Maldives’ development priorities.
As the Maldives and Pakistan enter their seventh decade of diplomatic relations, President Muizzu’s visit is expected to renew high-level engagement and provide fresh momentum to a relationship built over generations on friendship, mutual respect, shared values and cooperation.
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