Pakistan and Maldives exchange 20 memorandums on security and trade
Pakistan and the Maldives exchanged 20 memorandums during Mohamed Muizzu’s state visit to Islamabad, covering defence, maritime security, trade and public services. The leaders set a target of 200 million dollars in bilateral trade within two years. Pakistan also announced additional scholarships, while both governments stressed timely implementation of the arrangements.
Geopolitics··Evening
Leaders exchange cooperation documents in Islamabad
Pakistan and the Maldives exchanged 20 memorandums during Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu’s state visit to Islamabad on October 21. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Muizzu witnessed the exchange after restricted and delegation-level talks. The documents cover defence and maritime security alongside trade and public services. The leaders urged timely implementation at their joint press appearance.[1], [2]
The visit coincided with the sixtieth anniversary of diplomatic relations and was the first by a Maldivian president to Pakistan in 11 years. The arrangements include police training, cooperation against illicit drug trafficking and information sharing in cybersecurity. News18 also identified the Maldives’ position near major sea routes as the geographic setting for attention to maritime security.[2]
Trade target is set at 200 million dollars
The governments set a target of raising bilateral trade to 200 million dollars within two years. They discussed investment, tourism, food security, pharmaceuticals and private-sector partnerships, together with better air and maritime connections. Pakistan’s official account called for an early meeting of the joint economic commission, the bilateral body for economic cooperation. The announced amount is a trade objective, rather than an achieved turnover.[1]
Arrangements between the Trading Corporation of Pakistan and the State Trading Organisation of the Maldives are intended to facilitate bulk trade in agricultural products and essential foods. Other documents cover civil aviation, fisheries and agriculture. The package does not announce a military deployment, a new base or delivery of a defence system.[2]
Scholarships and planting support accompany the agreements
Sharif announced 20 additional undergraduate scholarships annually for Maldivian students. Healthcare cooperation, professional training and capacity building also feature in Pakistan’s account. He pledged 100,000 olive cuttings and 100,000 seeds over the next 12 months, subject to the relevant seasons, in support of Muizzu’s planting initiative. Pakistani experts would help establish nurseries intended to support production of 1 million plants over three years. Both leaders reaffirmed support for dialogue, sovereignty and international law.[1]
