Pakistan, Maldives sign 20 MoUs as Shehbaz sets $200 million trade target

Pakistan and the Maldives signed 20 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) covering defense, maritime security, technology, trade, healthcare and education on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif pledged to deepen ties and raise annual trade to $200 million within two years, during Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu’s three-day visit to Islamabad.

What did Pakistan and the Maldives agree in the 20 MoUs?

The 20 MoUs cover defense cooperation, maritime security, information technology, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. They address illicit trafficking and narcotics, social protection, healthcare, vocational training, agriculture, fisheries, tourism and air connectivity. The two sides also agreed to strengthen ties between their police academies.

Speaking at a joint media briefing after the signing ceremony, Shehbaz said the two countries would continue to strengthen their relationship “for all time to come”. He described his talks with Muizzu and their delegations as productive and focused on expanding cooperation.

Other agreements cover cooperation between the Maldives Civil Service Commission and Pakistan’s Federal Public Service Commission and Civil Service Academy. Further arrangements address food regulatory authorities, recruitment of health professionals, youth development, sports, the environment, and arts and culture.

Shehbaz said the two governments would need to translate the agreements into practical outcomes through prompt decisions and swift implementation. He added that Pakistan was ready to provide technical expertise in areas of mutual interest.

What is the Pakistan-Maldives trade target?

Shehbaz said bilateral trade currently stood at $13.9 million, a level he described as far below the two countries’ potential. He said both sides had agreed to increase the figure to $200 million over the next two years.

Despite longstanding political ties and a history of cooperation, economic engagement has yet to reflect the full scope of the relationship, Shehbaz said. He thanked Muizzu for his personal support in efforts to expand trade.

Technology was another area identified for closer cooperation. Shehbaz welcomed the Maldives’ plans to establish data centers, saying Pakistan had developed expertise and professional capabilities in the field and was willing to share its experience.

The two countries also discussed cooperation in professional training and public services. Shehbaz said Maldivian students were studying at Pakistani universities and colleges, particularly in healthcare-related disciplines, while about 250 Pakistani doctors and other paramedical staff were working in the Maldives. Pakistan was prepared to continue meeting the Maldives’ needs for skilled professionals, he said, adding that cooperation could expand further in the coming years.

Environmental cooperation featured in the discussions as well. Shehbaz said Pakistan would support the Maldives’ plan to promote the planting of five million trees by providing 100,000 olive cuttings and 100,000 seeds of various plant species within a timeframe to be agreed by both sides.

What did Shehbaz say on Palestine, Kashmir and the Indus Waters Treaty?

The leaders also discussed regional and international developments, with Shehbaz thanking the Maldives for its continued support for the Palestinian cause. He reiterated Pakistan’s support for Palestinian self-determination and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. Islamabad would continue to back Palestinian rights through diplomatic engagement and international forums, he said.

Shehbaz said he had also briefed Muizzu on Pakistan’s position on Jammu and Kashmir, which is divided between Pakistan and India and claimed by both. Islamabad supports a peaceful settlement in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, he said.

The prime minister also voiced concern over India’s decision in April 2025 to place the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, describing the move as a breach of a legally binding international agreement. Pakistan’s position was that international treaties must be respected and shared water resources should not be used as instruments of political pressure, he said.

Shehbaz added that Pakistan had made clear at international forums, including the United Nations General Assembly the previous month, that water security was a red line for the country.

“Water flows in any canal or ocean, sea or straits, carries trade, commerce, message of prosperity and progress, and not threats, confrontations and conflicts,” he said.

Why is Muizzu’s visit to Pakistan significant?

Muizzu arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday at Shehbaz’s invitation. It is the first visit by a Maldivian president to Pakistan in 11 years, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations established in 1966.

Earlier, Muizzu was received at the Prime Minister’s House with a guard of honor and exchanged introductions with federal ministers. Shehbaz also greeted members of the visiting Maldivian delegation.

During the visit, the International Islamic University Islamabad conferred an honorary doctorate in politics on Muizzu. Shehbaz said the award recognized the Maldivian president’s leadership and public service to his people.

The visit comes as Islamabad and Malé seek to build on six decades of diplomatic relations by expanding economic links and cooperation across security, technology, education, healthcare and other sectors.