ISLAMABAD — President Asif Ali Zardari hosted Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Tuesday, using a state visit marking six decades of diplomatic relations to press for stronger economic cooperation, joint action on climate change and a shared stance on Palestinian statehood.
The Maldivian leader received a warm welcome at the presidential residence before the two sides held formal talks, followed by a state dinner in honour of the visiting delegation.
Economic Ties at the Centre
President Zardari said Pakistan attached special importance to its historic relations with the Maldives, describing them as rooted in shared beliefs, mutual trust, respect for sovereignty and lasting goodwill. He stressed the need to translate political goodwill into tangible gains in trade, investment, connectivity and people-to-people exchanges.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting the island nation in education, healthcare, social protection and sustainable development, pointing to the parliament building in Male and the School of Medicine as enduring symbols of bilateral friendship.
The Maldivian president’s visit coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, a milestone both sides described as an opportunity to further strengthen their partnership.
Climate Resilience in Focus
Climate change and environmental risk featured prominently in the discussions, with both leaders acknowledging that small island states and developing economies face disproportionate exposure to climate-related threats.
President Zardari expressed Pakistan’s readiness to deepen cooperation with the Maldives on climate resilience, environmental protection and sustainable development. He also backed President Muizzu’s initiative to plant five million trees and called for joint efforts to protect the environment.
Shared Positions on Regional and Global Issues
The two presidents exchanged views on regional and international affairs, emphasising dialogue, diplomacy, sovereign equality, mutual respect and the peaceful resolution of disputes in line with international law and the United Nations Charter.
They reaffirmed support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and for the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state in accordance with relevant UN resolutions.
High-Level Delegations
The Maldivian delegation included Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam, Defence and National Services Minister Hassan Rasheed, Interior, Security, Labour and Technology Minister Ali Ihusaan, Economic Development, Transport and Trade Minister Mohamed Saeed, and Maldives High Commissioner to Pakistan Mohamed Thoha.
Pakistan’s side included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Interior and Narcotics Control Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi, Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar, Senator Sherry Rehman, Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, former federal minister and MNA Naveed Qamar, the foreign secretary and Pakistan’s high commissioner to the Maldives.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Defence Forces and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani and National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq also attended the state dinner.
Other participants included Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, National Strategic Command Commander General Syed Amir Raza, federal cabinet members, parliamentarians and members of the diplomatic corps.
The meeting and state dinner reaffirmed the commitment of Pakistan and the Maldives to strengthening historic friendship, expanding economic cooperation, addressing environmental challenges and supporting shared principles on international issues.
