What New Alliances Are Formed Between Pakistan and Maldives? Discover the 20 Key Agreements!

In a landmark visit, Pakistan and the Maldives have signed 20 memorandums of understanding to bolster cooperation in various sectors, including defense and maritime security. This visit by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu marks the first of its kind in over a decade, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. The agreements aim to enhance trade, education, and environmental initiatives, showcasing a commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. Discover the full scope of these agreements and their implications for both countries.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 21, 2026, 18:46 IST

Strengthening Ties: Pakistan and Maldives Sign 20 MoUs

Islamabad: On Wednesday, Pakistan and the Maldives formalized 20 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) aimed at enhancing collaboration across various sectors, including defense, maritime security, and artificial intelligence.

These agreements were signed during the visit of Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, who arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday for a three-day trip at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

This visit marks the first time in 11 years that a Maldivian president has visited Pakistan, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations established in 1966.

The MoUs, signed in the presence of both nations' leaders, cover areas such as defense cooperation, maritime security, information technology, cybersecurity, and AI.

Additional agreements focus on combating drug trafficking, social protection, health cooperation, and collaboration between food regulatory authorities, as well as the recruitment of health professionals and vocational training initiatives.

The agreements also aim to enhance air connectivity, foster cooperation between police academies, and establish partnerships between the Civil Services Commission of Maldives and Pakistan's Federal Public Service Commission.

Further pacts were signed in agriculture, trade, fisheries, environmental protection, education, tourism, and cultural arts.

Prior to the signing, PM Sharif and President Muizzu engaged in discussions and later addressed a joint press conference.

During the press conference, PM Sharif emphasized the commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations.

He expressed eagerness to collaborate with Muizzu to ensure the swift implementation of the signed MoUs.

Sharif highlighted the productive discussions that covered economic and trade relations, strategic defense cooperation, and training support for Maldivians in various sectors such as police, defense, education, and health.

He announced plans to boost bilateral trade from USD 13.9 million to USD 200 million within two years, noting that current ties do not reflect the full potential of economic cooperation.

Additionally, Pakistan will provide 100,000 olive cuttings and seeds of various plant species to support the planting of 5 million trees in the Maldives.

Pakistan also pledged to offer technical expertise to assist the Maldives in establishing data centers.

PM Sharif mentioned that many Maldivian students are currently studying in Pakistani institutions, particularly in healthcare, and that 250 Pakistani medical professionals are working in the Maldives.

Later, President Muizzu was awarded an honorary doctorate in politics by the International Islamic University Islamabad.

Upon his arrival, Muizzu received a guard of honor at the Prime Minister's House, as stated by the PM Office.

The visiting president also planted a sapling at the PM House, with prayers offered for the prosperity of both nations.

This visit is particularly significant as it is the first by a Maldivian president since 2015, when former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom visited Pakistan for two days.