Pakistani President Praises Maldives Tourism as Diplomatic Ties Reach New Heights

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari has commended the Maldives’ growing tourism sector and expressed confidence that a series of newly signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) will elevate bilateral relations to new heights, noting the Pakistani public’s appreciation for a Maldivian head of state visiting after a decade-long hiatus.

The remarks were made during a high-level meeting at the official presidential residence, Aiwan-e-Sadr, in Islamabad, where President Dr Mohamed Muizzu met with President Zardari to discuss strengthening diplomatic ties and expanding collaboration across trade, education, health, and capacity building.

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Following their bilateral talks, President Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed attended a State Banquet hosted in their honour by President Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr, joined by cabinet ministers and senior officials from both governments.

On the sidelines of the state reception, First Lady Sajidha held separate official discussions with Pakistan’s First Lady and Member of the National Assembly, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari. 

First Lady Sajidha commended Ms Zardari’s sustained advocacy in public health and women’s awareness, with their dialogue centring on preventive healthcare, addressing non-communicable diseases, and dismantling socio-economic barriers to empower women and girls in leadership roles.

President Muizzu is undertaking the three-day State Visit from 20 to 22 October at the invitation of Pakistani Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.

 Accompanied by First Lady Sajidha and a high-level delegation, the visit marks the first Maldivian presidential trip to Pakistan in over a decade.