Pakistan and the Maldives signed 20 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) on Wednesday to strengthen cooperation in defence, maritime security, artificial intelligence and other sectors. The agreements came during Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu’s three-day visit to Islamabad at the invitation of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Muizzu arrived on Tuesday for the first visit by a Maldivian president to Pakistan in 11 years. The visit also coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, established in 1966.

The agreements cover defence, maritime security, information technology, cybersecurity, AI, counter-narcotics, social protection, healthcare, vocational training, youth development and sports. They also aim to improve air connectivity, strengthen police training and promote cooperation between civil service institutions.

The two sides signed separate agreements on agriculture, trade, fisheries, the environment, education, tourism, arts and culture. Other pacts cover health professional recruitment and cooperation between food regulatory authorities.

Following talks with Muizzu, Sharif said both countries would continue strengthening their ties. He also offered to work personally with the Maldivian president to ensure the agreements translate into action through quick decisions and timely implementation.

Sharif described the discussions on economic and trade ties, defence cooperation and training for Maldivian citizens in Pakistan as productive. The talks covered police, defence, education, healthcare and other sectors.

The Pakistani prime minister announced that both countries had agreed to raise bilateral trade from $13.9 million to $200 million over the next two years. He said their current trade figures did not reflect the full potential of their economic relationship.

Pakistan will also provide 100,000 olive cuttings and 100,000 seeds of various plant species to support the Maldives’ plan to plant five million trees. Islamabad also agreed to offer technical expertise as the Maldives works to establish data centres in other locations.

Sharif noted that many Maldivian students pursue higher education in Pakistani colleges and universities, particularly in healthcare. He added that 250 Pakistani doctors and other paramedics were serving in the Maldives.

During the visit, the International Islamic University Islamabad conferred an honorary doctorate in politics on Muizzu. Earlier, the Maldivian president received a guard of honour at the Prime Minister’s House and planted a sapling. Officials also offered prayers for the progress and prosperity of both countries.

The last visit by a Maldivian president to Pakistan took place in 2015, when former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom made a two-day state visit.