Pakistan and Maldives have expressed the resolve to increase bilateral trade from the current 13.4 million dollars to 200 million dollars in the next two years.

This commitment was expressed during restricted and delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu in Islamabad today.

During their talks, the two leaders reviewed bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and international developments. They agreed to expand bilateral trade, investment, tourism, food security, pharmaceuticals and private-sector partnerships.

They emphasized the importance of improving air and maritime connectivity and the early convening of the Joint Economic Commission.

Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to strengthening its longstanding fraternal relations with Maldives and supporting its national development priorities.

He reiterated Pakistan's readiness to provide essential food commodities and pharmaceuticals to Maldives, including through government-to-government arrangements. He also announced 20 additional undergraduate scholarships annually for Maldivian students and reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to expanding healthcare cooperation, professional training and capacity-building.

As part of the Maldivian President's 'Five Million Tree Initiative', Shehbaz Sharif announced that Pakistan would provide 100,000 olive cuttings and 100,000 seeds of various plants. These will be provided over the next 12 months, depending on the season in which the plants become available. In total, Pakistan will help produce one million plants in three years by sending its experts, who will help set up nurseries.

On regional and international issues, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to peace, dialogue, respect for sovereignty and international law.

The Prime Minister appreciated Maldives' principled support for Palestine and shared Pakistan's perspective on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, the Indus Waters Treaty and regional security developments.

Following the talks, the two leaders witnessed the exchange of 20 Memorandums of Understanding covering health, education, technical training, tourism, civil aviation, agriculture, fisheries, defence, maritime security, law enforcement, civil service cooperation, social protection, culture, youth and other areas.

At the joint press stakeout, the leaders expressed satisfaction over the outcomes of their discussions and emphasized the importance of timely implementation of the agreements to deliver tangible benefits for both countries.

During a special ceremony, the International Islamic University, Islamabad, conferred an honorary PhD in "Politics and International Relations" upon President Muizzu, recognizing his leadership, distinguished public service and contributions to the development of Maldives.

The Prime Minister also hosted a luncheon in honour of the visiting President and his delegation.

The state visit, the first by a President of Maldives in the past eleven years, coincides with 60 years of the establishment of Pakistan-Maldives diplomatic relations and marks an important step towards a stronger, broader and mutually beneficial partnership.

Earlier, on arrival at the Prime Minister House, President Muizzu was received by the Prime Minister and accorded a formal welcome ceremony. He inspected the Guard of Honour and planted a commemorative sapling.