President Dr Arif Alvi has underlined the need for increasing trade and economic cooperation with Maldives for the mutual benefits of the two countries.

Talking to the outgoing High Commissioner of Maldives to Pakistan, Ms. Farzana Zahir, who called on him in Islamabad today, he said there is a great potential to expand bilateral trade and export of Pakistani products to Maldives, particularly textiles, fabrics, rice, cement and pharmaceutical.

The President highlighted that Pakistan attaches immense importance to its relations with Maldives in bilateral context and within the framework of the SAARC, OIC, UN and Commonwealth.

He underlined the need for closer cooperation among countries of the world to counter the severity of natural disasters as well as climate change that had endangered both developed and developing countries alike.

Dr Arif Alvi also emphasized on enhancing cooperation in the area of tourism and learn from each other’s experience.

The President also highlighted that the isolation and persecution of Muslims by India is a matter of grave concern and the international community should take notice of the brutalities being committed by the Indian security forces against the Muslims, particularly in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. He also called for revitalization of the SAARC enabling it to achieve its objectives.

Referring to the rising wave of Islamophobia, the President emphasized that the Islamic countries should work together to counter the Islamophobia.

He also congratulated the outgoing High Commissioner on the successful completion of her tenure and appreciated her efforts for improving Pakistan-Maldives ties.