Public Service Media (PSM) and Pakistan Television (PTV) has conducted discussions to formulate a mutually beneficial memorandum of understanding. The discussions were held between Ambassador of Pakistan to Maldives Vice Admiral Retired Wasim Akram and Managing Director of PSM Ibrahim Khaleel.
The meeting which was held between Ambassador of Pakistan to Maldives Vice Admiral Retired Wasim Akram and Managing Director of PSM Ibrahim Khaleel was also attended by the Deputy Managing Director of PSM Mohamed Ikram Abdul Latheef and the Chief Operations Officer of PSM Mohamed Saeed.
The discussions, which took place at the Embassy of Pakistan in Maldives, majorly focused on the enhancement of the relations between Maldives and Pakistan in the field of media and had a key emphasis on extending technical assistance from PTV in producing quality and sustainable content by PSM.
In an exclusive interview with PSM News, after the discussion, Ambassador of Pakistan said both parties had successful discussions in enhancing relations between PSM and the national media of Pakistan. In this regard, the Pakistani Ambassador noted key emphasis was given to highlight the areas in which PSM requires assistance in development.
"The meeting was excellent and very fruitful. Your managing director has a complete grip of all the issues. I am a pure solder cum diplomat now and have learnt a lot from him and I would like to extend all the possible help which we can extend to Maldives.Ambassador Wasim Akram
Ambassador Wasim Akram reiterated the commitment of Pakistani government in assisting Maldives in all its developmental plans.
"The meeting was excellent and very fruitful. Your managing director has a complete grip of all the issues. I am a pure solder cum diplomat now and have learnt a lot from him and I would like to extend all the possible help which we can extend to Maldives.Ambassador Wasim Akram
Managing Director of PSM Ibrahim Khaleel emphasised the discussions have given hope of major advancement to Maldives, especially to the state media. On this note, Ibrahim Khaleel highlighted both parties have agreed to work closely to enrich the media sector.
"In this discussion we have discussed on ways to establish and enhance the relationship between Pakistan’s National TV and the State Media of Maldives, PSM. In addition we discussed on content exchanging. We had further discussed on exchanging knowledge and expertise between both parties. We have also discussed on sending Maldivian journalists to Pakistan and Pakistani Journalists to Maldives via this meeting.Managing Director of PSM Ibrahim Khaleel
Continuing on, Khaleel said plans of dubbing some Pakistani movies in Dhivehi language were also been discussed in the meeting. Khaleel highlighted that a memorandum of understanding is on cards to formalise the collaboration between PSM and PTV. He noted industry professionals from Pakistan is also expected to arrive in Maldives to provided special training programmes to enhance the entertainment sector of Maldives.
"With the grace of Almighty Allah we plan to establish a memorandum of understanding with Pakistan Television through which we can exchange expertise. We are a small nation but with Pakistan being a large in size and knowledge we aim to enhance our country through the opportunities we receive via this partnership. Pakistani experts would also visit Maldives to enhance this sector of Maldives. This is a grand opportunity for Maldivian journalists.Managing Director of PSM Ibrahim Khaleel
Furthermore, discussions were also focused on expanding Maldives Media Institute by introducing various media related programmes conducted by Pakistani Media institutions. Khaleel highlighted a delegation from PSM will travel to Pakistan to attain direct knowledge from the country.
Pakistan is amongst the first countries that developed diplomatic relations with Maldives. Maldives and Pakistan have shared a friendly relationship due to same religious, social and economical aspects. In addition, both countries are members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
Various high level Pakistani delegations have visited Maldives testifying the strong relations both countries share.
Former Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Shareef visited Maldives and announced the establishment of the first medical school in the country in 2017. In addition, the recent visit of the Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan General Qamar Javed Bajwa paved way for the enhancement of diplomatic relations between both countries.