Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has called for stronger economic cooperation between Pakistan and the Maldives, highlighting opportunities to expand trade, investment, tourism and people-to-people relations as President Dr Mohamed Muizzu continues his State Visit to Pakistan.
President Zardari made the remarks during an official meeting with President Muizzu at Aiwan-e-Sadr, the official residence of the President of Pakistan. President Zardari warmly welcomed the Maldivian President, with the two leaders holding discussions on the longstanding relationship between the two countries and future areas of cooperation.
During the meeting, the two Presidents reviewed bilateral relations and discussed opportunities to further broaden the partnership, particularly in sectors that could support economic growth and development in both countries. President Zardari emphasised the potential for increased trade and investment, stronger tourism cooperation and expanded exchanges between the peoples of Pakistan and the Maldives.
Tourism was highlighted as an important area with significant potential for closer cooperation. As one of the Maldives’ most important economic sectors and a major contributor to employment, foreign exchange earnings and international investment, the tourism industry continues to play a central role in the country’s development. Stronger links with Pakistan could create further opportunities for visitor growth, tourism-related investment, business partnerships and wider economic engagement between the two nations.
President Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s continued support for the Maldives in key development sectors, including healthcare, education, human resource development, social protection and sustainable development. Such cooperation has remained an important feature of the relationship between the two countries over several decades.
Describing Pakistan-Maldives relations as longstanding and brotherly, President Zardari said the relationship is founded on shared faith, mutual respect, cooperation and a common commitment to national sovereignty. He noted that President Muizzu’s visit takes place during the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and the Maldives, providing an important opportunity for both countries to renew their commitment to an even stronger partnership.
President Zardari also recalled Pakistan’s contributions to major development projects in the Maldives, including assistance provided for the construction of the Parliament building and the School of Medicine at the Maldives National University. These projects stand among the visible examples of the long history of cooperation between the two countries.
Climate change and sustainable development also featured prominently in the discussions. The two leaders acknowledged the serious challenges faced by developing island nations such as the Maldives and stressed the need for stronger international and bilateral cooperation to improve climate resilience. President Zardari expressed confidence that Pakistan would extend support to President Muizzu’s Five Million Trees Programme, an important national environmental initiative aimed at strengthening the Maldives’ green cover and long-term environmental sustainability.
Both Presidents underscored the importance of maintaining regular dialogue and consultation to further advance bilateral relations. They also reaffirmed their commitment to addressing regional and international matters in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter.
The two leaders also reiterated their support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions.
Following the official discussions, President Zardari hosted a special banquet in honour of President Muizzu and the Maldivian delegation. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and other senior civilian and military officials attended the event, reflecting the high level of importance attached to President Muizzu’s State Visit.
President Muizzu’s visit is expected to further strengthen the close relationship between the Maldives and Pakistan while opening new opportunities for economic cooperation, development partnerships, tourism, investment and greater engagement between the peoples of the two countries.
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