Malé(South Asia): Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu’s recent visit to Pakistan has marked a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. During his three-day state visit from October 20 to 22, 2026, the Maldives and Pakistan exchanged 20 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) covering defence, maritime security, trade, healthcare, education, agriculture, fisheries, tourism and several other sectors.

President Muizzu held talks with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and met President Asif Ali Zardari, along with senior Pakistani officials, including Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir. The visit coincided with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, established in 1966.

Defence and Maritime Security in Focus

Among the key agreements were MoUs on defence cooperation and maritime security. The two sides also agreed to expand collaboration in information technology, cybersecurity, healthcare, education, law enforcement, youth development and environmental protection.

Economic cooperation was another major focus of the visit. Both countries set a target of increasing bilateral trade to US$200 million over the next two years. The Maldives also expressed its intention to introduce direct flights between Malé and Karachi to improve connectivity and support trade and tourism.

Pakistan announced additional undergraduate scholarships for Maldivian students and offered cooperation in healthcare, professional training and food security. The two sides also discussed opportunities for stronger business partnerships and investment.

Muizzu Calls for Early SAARC Summit

During the visit, President Muizzu called for an early summit of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, or SAARC. He emphasised the importance of building trust and strengthening dialogue among member countries, expressing the Maldives’ willingness to work with other members to facilitate the meeting.

The last SAARC summit was held in Kathmandu, Nepal, in 2014. The summit scheduled to take place in Pakistan in 2016 was cancelled amid regional tensions following the Uri terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.

Regional Implications

The agreements and the call for renewed regional engagement have drawn attention to the evolving diplomatic relationship between the Maldives and Pakistan. Their expanded cooperation in defence, maritime security and economic development may have implications for regional diplomacy in South Asia and the Indian Ocean.

However, the long-term impact will depend on how the agreements are implemented and whether renewed efforts toward regional cooperation gain support from other SAARC members.

The visit concluded with both countries expressing their commitment to translating the agreements into practical outcomes and expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.