Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has expressed confidence that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's official visit to Pakistan will take Maldives-Pakistan relations to a new level, particularly through stronger economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.
Addressing the Maldives-Pakistan Business Forum, Prime Minister Sharif noted that the visit had already strengthened bilateral relations and opened new opportunities for cooperation across several sectors.
Among the priorities, he highlighted the need to improve transport connectivity between the Maldives and Pakistan. With both countries having agreed to strengthen transport links, he disclosed that he had instructed the relevant Pakistani authorities to begin preparations for air services between the two countries as soon as possible.
He expressed hope that the necessary plans would be completed promptly, allowing flights to begin in the near future.
Noting the absence of direct air connections, Prime Minister Sharif stressed the need to address this gap. He expressed interest in exploring services to the Maldives through Pakistan International Airlines and other Pakistani carriers, making travel easier for businesspeople and tourists visiting for business or leisure.
Alongside air connectivity, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of maritime transport, explaining that direct transport links were essential to achieving the level of trade cooperation both countries sought. He also emphasised the need for additional memoranda of understanding (MoUs) to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Turning to trade, Prime Minister Sharif identified economic and commercial relations as areas in which the visit could deliver significant progress. He highlighted the target of increasing bilateral trade to USD 200 million within the next two years, describing it as a valuable opportunity for business communities in both countries.
Achieving this target, he stressed, would require both countries to develop a comprehensive joint action plan and undertake the necessary preparations to make full use of the opportunities available.
To build on this cooperation, Prime Minister Sharif announced plans to send a Pakistani delegation to the Maldives following President Dr Muizzu's return. The delegation will include senior Pakistani government officials and business representatives, with arrangements for the visit expected within approximately two weeks.
He expressed confidence that the delegation would create further opportunities for the two countries to work together.
Reaffirming Pakistan's friendship with the Maldives, Prime Minister Sharif described stronger cooperation across different sectors as an important step forward in the countries' longstanding relationship.
During President Dr Muizzu's ongoing visit, the Maldives and Pakistan have signed 20 MoUs covering areas of bilateral cooperation.
The President is undertaking the visit at the invitation of the Pakistani Prime Minister, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Pakistan.