Pakistan, Maldives sign MoUs on defence, IT, agriculture and tourism

Pakistan and the Maldives on Wednesday signed a series of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at deepening bilateral relations across multiple sectors, including defence, information technology, cybersecurity, health, education, social protection, agriculture and tourism.

The agreements were signed during the three-day state visit of Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, the first visit by a Maldivian president to Pakistan in 11 years, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Dr Muizzu witnessed the signing ceremony, as representatives from both sides exchanged the pre-signed documents.

The two countries signed an MoU on cooperation in information technology, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, digital skills, technology and innovation. Another agreement was signed to strengthen cooperation in combating illicit trafficking and the abuse of narcotic drugs.

The two sides also signed MoUs on social protection, health cooperation, and cooperation between the Maldives Food and Drug Authority and Pakistan’s Drug Regulatory Authority.

Both countries signed agreements focused on the recruitment of health professionals, strengthening defence ties and maritime security cooperation.

To boost agricultural cooperation, the two countries signed an MoU on agriculture, alongside another agreement to promote cooperation in fisheries.

In the education sector, the two sides signed an MoU to promote technical and vocational education and training, as well as another agreement to strengthen educational cooperation.

Representatives from Pakistan and the Maldives also exchanged documents on MoUs covering youth and sports development, air connectivity, tourism, and cooperation in arts, culture and heritage.

The agreements also included cooperation between the National College of Policy and Law Enforcement of the Maldives Police Service and Pakistan’s National Police Academy in Islamabad; the Civil Service Commission of the Maldives and Pakistan’s Federal Public Service Commission; and the Maldivian Civil Service Commission and Pakistan’s Civil Service Academy.

To boost commercial engagement, an MoU was signed between the Maldives State Trading Organisation (STO) and the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) to promote cooperation in the trade of agricultural commodities, food and other products.

The two countries also signed an agreement aimed at strengthening cooperation in the field of environment.