President Muizzu Hails ‘New Era’ in Maldives–Pakistan Ties, Targets USD 200M Bilateral Trade

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has described his first state visit to Pakistan as a defining moment in bilateral relations, reaffirming an ambitious joint commitment to expand trade from USD 13 million to USD 200 million within the next two years.

In a statement published on X, following the conclusion of his visit, President Muizzu expressed gratitude to Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the government, and the people of Pakistan for the hospitality extended to him, First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, and the Maldivian delegation.

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As I conclude my first State Visit to Pakistan, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my dear brothers, President Asif Ali Zardari (@PresOfPakistan) and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz), the Government, and the brotherly people of Pakistan for the exceptional warmth, affection, and gracious hospitality extended to my wife, my delegation, and me. This visit marks a defining moment in Maldives–Pakistan relations. We have agreed to turn a new leaf in our relationship and usher in a new era of partnership. Our commitment is clear: to take our bilateral relations to unprecedented heights and transform our longstanding friendship into greater economic opportunities, shared prosperity, and tangible benefits for our peoples. At the heart of this new chapter is our shared determination to increase bilateral trade from USD 13 million to USD 200 million within the next two years. The successful Maldives–Pakistan Business Forum, which I was honoured to address alongside Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has laid an important foundation for translating this ambitious commitment into concrete investments, stronger business partnerships, and meaningful economic cooperation. The exchange of 20 MoUs during this visit further demonstrates our resolve to move beyond aspirations towards practical cooperation and measurable results. I leave Islamabad with cherished memories, deep appreciation, and renewed confidence that we have laid the foundations for a stronger, more dynamic, and mutually beneficial partnership. Our six decades of friendship have brought us this far. Our shared vision and determination will now take us to new heights. Thank you once again, Pakistan, for your extraordinary friendship and hospitality.— Dr Mohamed Muizzu (@MMuizzu) October 23, 2026

“This visit marks a defining moment in Maldives–Pakistan relations,” President Muizzu said. “We have agreed to turn a new leaf in our relationship and usher in a new era of partnership.”

The President stated that the primary focus of this renewed engagement is transforming historical diplomatic ties into practical economic outcomes and tangible public benefits.

“At the heart of this new chapter is our shared determination to increase bilateral trade from USD 13 million to USD 200 million within the next two years,” he noted.

Highlighting the Maldives–Pakistan Business Forum held in Islamabad, which he addressed alongside Prime Minister Sharif, the President stated that the event laid the groundwork for turning commitments into foreign investments, business partnerships, and bilateral economic cooperation.

President Muizzu also noted that the signing of twenty Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) across various sectors during the visit demonstrated a collective resolve to move beyond diplomatic aspirations towards measurable results, building on sixty years of formal bilateral relations between the two countries.