Pakistan aims to increase bilateral trade with the Maldives by around 1,338%, from $13.9 million to $200 million within two years, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Wednesday.

The two countries also signed 20 agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) covering trade, defence, technology, healthcare, education, agriculture and other sectors during Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu’s three-day state visit to Pakistan.

Shehbaz said existing trade between the two countries remained far below its potential. Both governments will work to expand commercial ties and implement the agreements to achieve the target.

The visit is the first by a Maldivian president to Pakistan in 11 years and comes as the two countries mark 60 years of diplomatic relations.

Pakistan, Maldives Sign 20 Agreements

The agreements cover information technology, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, digital skills, healthcare, education, defence, maritime security, agriculture, fisheries, tourism and environmental protection.

The two countries also agreed to cooperate in policing, vocational training, social protection, youth development, sports, aviation, culture and heritage.

The Maldives State Trading Organisation and Pakistan’s Trading Corporation of Pakistan signed an agreement to strengthen trade in agricultural commodities, food and other products.

Other agreements cover health professional recruitment, vocational education, efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking, and cooperation between the Maldives Food and Drug Authority and Pakistan’s Drug Regulatory Authority.

Shehbaz said Pakistan was prepared to provide medical and professional assistance according to the Maldives’ requirements. Around 250 Pakistani doctors and paramedical staff are currently serving in the island nation, while many Maldivian students have studied at Pakistani institutions, particularly in healthcare.

Pakistan also offered technical support in information technology and data centre development.

Under environmental cooperation, Pakistan will provide 100,000 olive cuttings and 100,000 seeds of different plant species to support the Maldives’ plan to plant five million trees.

Maldives Seeks More Investment and Climate Cooperation

Muizzu backed the $200 million trade target and called for greater investment, stronger connectivity and expanded tourism links between the two countries.

He said the agreements could create opportunities in healthcare, education, fisheries, agriculture, technology and defence, adding that their success would depend on delivering practical benefits to citizens.

The Maldives also plans to expand scholarships and professional training for young people, particularly in artificial intelligence, digitalisation and emerging technologies.

Muizzu welcomed Pakistan’s support for environmental initiatives and called for closer cooperation on renewable energy, conservation and climate resilience. He described climate change as a direct threat to the Maldives’ security and future.

Leaders Discuss Palestine, Kashmir and Water Disputes

The two leaders also discussed regional and international developments.

Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s support for an independent Palestinian state, while Muizzu backed Palestinian statehood based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

On Kashmir, Shehbaz called for a settlement in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

He also criticised India’s decision to place the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, saying international agreements must be respected and shared water resources must not be used as political pressure. He warned that Pakistan would consider any violation in this regard an act of war.

During the visit, Shehbaz congratulated Muizzu on receiving an honorary doctorate from the International Islamic University Islamabad in recognition of his leadership and public service.

Muizzu thanked Pakistan’s leadership and people for their hospitality, saying the visit provided an opportunity to build a stronger partnership on six decades of diplomatic relations.