Maldives and Pakistan Target $200 Million Trade, Sign 20 MoUs

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that the Maldives and Pakistan aim to increase bilateral trade from the current $13.9 million to $200 million within the next two years. The statement came during a joint press conference following talks with Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, who is on an official visit to Pakistan—the first by a Maldivian president in 11 years. The two countries signed 20 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering trade, defence, health, capacity building, and digital infrastructure. Key areas include technical assistance for data centres in the Maldives and support for Maldivian students studying at Pakistani medical universities. President Muizzu's visit coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. The Prime Minister also reaffirmed Pakistan's full support for an independent Palestinian state in line with UN resolutions.