Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on October 20 for a three-day state visit aimed at expanding cooperation in trade, investment, defence and maritime security, the Foreign Office announced on Sunday.
The visit, taking place at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, will mark an important milestone in relations between the two countries as they celebrate 60 years of diplomatic ties.
According to the Foreign Office, Muizzu’s trip will be the first state visit to Pakistan by a Maldivian president in 11 years.
“The State Visit, the first by a President of Maldives to Pakistan in eleven years, assumes special significance as the two countries commemorate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1966,” the Foreign Office said in a statement posted on X.
President Muizzu will be accompanied by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed and a senior delegation comprising cabinet ministers and high-ranking government officials.
During his stay, the Maldivian leader will meet President Asif Ali Zardari, who will host a state banquet in his honour.
Muizzu will also hold both restricted and delegation-level discussions with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, focusing on opportunities to deepen bilateral engagement.
“The two leaders will review the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and explore avenues for further strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, health, education, tourism, agriculture, defence, maritime security, climate change and people-to-people exchanges,” the Foreign Office stated.
The discussions are expected to cover economic partnerships, educational and healthcare cooperation, tourism development and collaboration on maritime security.
Climate change will also feature on the agenda, alongside efforts to strengthen exchanges between the people of both countries.
The upcoming visit is intended to reinforce diplomatic relations between Pakistan and the Maldives while identifying new areas for cooperation as the two nations commemorate six decades of formal ties.