Maldives and Pakistan Sign 20 Agreements to Strengthen Ties, Including Defense Cooperation

The Maldives and Pakistan have signed 20 agreements to strengthen bilateral relations, covering areas including defense, health, trade, and education. The agreements were signed during President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's state visit to Pakistan on Wednesday. The memoranda of understanding include a direct air travel agreement, health sector cooperation, two education agreements, a financial and technology agreement, parliamentary cooperation, climate change collaboration, media ties, youth empowerment and sports, tourism, culture and heritage, environment, agriculture, defense, maritime security, information technology and cybersecurity, trafficking and drug eradication, social security, and innovation. Additionally, specific agreements were signed between institutions such as the Maldives Food and Drug Authority and Pakistan's Drug Regulatory Authority, the Maldives Civil Service Commission and Pakistan's Federal Public Service Commission, the National College of Policing and Law Enforcement and Pakistan's Police Academy, and the State Trading Organization (STO) and Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP). The Maldivian government stated these agreements will further strengthen ties between the two countries. Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Muhammad Ishaq Dar, assured continued efforts to solidify relations during a courtesy call on President Muizzu.