Summary President Asif Ali Zardari and Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu discuss economic cooperation, climate change, bilateral ties and support for Palestinian statehood.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - President Asif Ali Zardari met Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu at Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad, where the visiting dignitary received a warm welcome.
During the meeting, President Zardari stressed the importance of strong economic cooperation between Pakistan and the Maldives and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting the island nation in education, healthcare, social protection and sustainable development.
Later, President Zardari hosted a formal state dinner in honour of the visiting delegation, reflecting the friendly diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Zardari emphasised the need to further strengthen longstanding brotherly ties and translate political goodwill into increased trade, investment, connectivity and people-to-people exchanges.
He said Pakistan attached special importance to its historic relations with the Maldives, which were rooted in shared beliefs, mutual trust, respect for sovereignty and lasting goodwill. The Maldivian president’s state visit, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, would further strengthen their bilateral partnership, he added.
Referring to Pakistan’s longstanding contribution to the Maldives’ development, Zardari said the parliament building in Male and the School of Medicine were enduring symbols of friendship between the two countries. He highlighted the importance of continuing this historic cooperation and strengthening people-to-people contacts.
Climate change and environmental risks also came under discussion. Both leaders acknowledged that climate change posed disproportionate challenges for countries vulnerable to natural disasters, particularly small island states and developing economies exposed to climate-related risks.
The president expressed Pakistan’s readiness to deepen cooperation with the Maldives in climate resilience, environmental protection and sustainable development. He also supported President Muizzu’s initiative to plant five million trees and stressed the importance of joint efforts to protect the environment.
The two presidents also exchanged views on regional and international issues, emphasising dialogue, diplomacy, sovereign equality, mutual respect and the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law and the United Nations Charter.
They reaffirmed their support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions.
The Maldivian delegation accompanying President Muizzu 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 delegation 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 hosted by President Zardari.
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.
