Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday for a three-day official visit aimed at strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between Pakistan and the Maldives, according to state-run Radio Pakistan.
The visit, undertaken at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is the first by a Maldivian president to Pakistan in 11 years. It also coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, established in 1966.
According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, President Muizzu is scheduled to meet President Asif Ali Zardari, who will host a state banquet in his honour.
The Maldivian leader will also hold restricted and delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The discussions will cover a broad range of bilateral issues, including trade, investment, healthcare, education, tourism, agriculture, defence, maritime security and climate change.
Both leaders are also expected to explore opportunities for closer people-to-people exchanges and discuss regional and international developments of mutual concern.
A Pakistan-Maldives Business Forum will be organised during the visit to encourage engagement between business communities and identify new opportunities for commercial cooperation and investment.
The Foreign Office said several agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) covering different areas of bilateral cooperation are expected to be signed.
Earlier on Tuesday, a Maldivian delegation led by Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam, comprising cabinet ministers and senior government officials, arrived in Islamabad ahead of President Muizzu.
The visit provides an opportunity for both countries to review their longstanding relationship and pursue closer cooperation across economic, diplomatic and security sectors.