Field Marshal Asim Munir, Maldives president discuss defence cooperation and regional security

Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir met Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu in Islamabad, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

According to the military’s media wing, the meeting covered matters of mutual interest and the prevailing security situation in the region. The two sides also discussed various avenues for enhancing bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and the Maldives.

Both leaders emphasised the importance of strengthening defence cooperation, institutional linkages and professional exchanges between the two countries.

Field Marshal Asim Munir reaffirmed the longstanding and cordial relations between Pakistan and the Maldives, saying Pakistan remained committed to further strengthening bilateral cooperation and promoting regional peace, stability and security through constructive engagement.

President Muizzu appreciated the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces and commended Pakistan’s continued efforts to promote peace and stability in the region, the ISPR added.

Pakistan, Maldives target $200m trade as 20 agreements signed

Earlier, Pakistan and the Maldives also agreed to increase bilateral trade from approximately $13.9 million to $200 million within two years, signing 20 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and agreements to expand cooperation across multiple sectors during Muizzu’s first visit to Pakistan.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Muizzu announced the trade target after holding delegation-level and restricted talks in Islamabad. The visit coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries and is the first by a Maldivian head of state to Pakistan in 11 years.

The agreements cover trade, health, education, fisheries, agriculture, tourism, information technology, defence, policing, Islamic affairs, youth and cultural exchanges. Both leaders stressed that the agreements must be implemented promptly to deliver tangible benefits.

A Pakistan-Maldives Business Forum was scheduled to bring together investors, business leaders and innovators to promote commercial partnerships. The two sides also discussed establishing direct flights to strengthen tourism, connectivity and economic engagement, including opportunities in halal and Muslim-friendly tourism.

Cooperation in health and education featured prominently. PM Shehbaz highlighted Pakistan’s role in training Maldivian students and professionals, noting that around 250 Pakistani doctors, along with paramedics, were serving in the Maldives. The leaders discussed expanding medical education placements, internships for Maldivian graduates and opportunities for young professionals.

The countries also explored collaboration in artificial intelligence, digitalisation and data centres. Pakistan offered to share its technical expertise as the Maldives develops data infrastructure.

Climate cooperation was another key area. Pakistan pledged an initial contribution of 100,000 olive cuttings and 100,000 seeds of other plant species to support the Maldives’ target of planting five million trees. Muizzu also called for cooperation in renewable energy, conservation, sustainable waste management and climate resilience, describing climate change as a direct threat to his country’s security and future.

On regional issues, Muizzu called for revitalising the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), urging member states to rebuild trust and resume meaningful dialogue. The leaders also discussed Palestine and Jammu and Kashmir. Both reaffirmed support for Palestinian self-determination and an independent state, while PM Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s position on resolving the Kashmir dispute in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions.

PM Shehbaz also raised Pakistan’s objections to India placing the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, insisting that legally binding agreements must be respected and shared water resources should not be used as political pressure.

Both leaders described the visit as an opportunity to transform six decades of friendly relations into stronger economic, institutional and people-to-people ties. Muizzu invited PM Shehbaz to visit the Maldives to further strengthen bilateral relations.