Maldivian president arrives in Pakistan for three-day state visit

ISLAMABAD — Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday for a three-day state visit to Pakistan, according to Anadolu Agency, which cited state-run Pakistan Television. The visit is the first by a Maldivian president to Pakistan in 11 years.

Muizzu is due to meet President Asif Ali Zardari, who will host a state banquet in his honour, according to a statement by Pakistan'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 travelling with him.

The Foreign Ministry said the two leaders will "review the entire spectrum of bilateral relations" and look at ways to expand cooperation in trade, investment, health, education, tourism, agriculture, defence, maritime security, climate change and people-to-people exchanges. They will also exchange views on regional and international developments of mutual interest.

A Pakistan-Maldives Business Forum is planned to bring the two countries' business communities together and explore trade and investment opportunities. According to the same source, the visit is expected to include the signing of several agreements and memorandums of understanding covering a range of areas. The source did not name the agreements.

Anadolu Agency's report does not give a full schedule for the talks or details of the expected agreements.

Background

Pakistan and the Maldives established diplomatic relations in 1966. According to Anadolu Agency, bilateral trade volume between the two countries exceeds $9 million. The report did not give a year for that figure.