President Asif Ali Zardari and Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu held official talks at Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. Both leaders agreed to strengthen economic cooperation, increase bilateral trade and investment, and expand collaboration on climate change. The meeting took place as Pakistan and the Maldives marked 60 years of diplomatic relations.
The talks covered several areas, including education, healthcare, human resource development, social protection, tourism, and sustainable economic initiatives. The two countries also discussed regional and international issues, highlighting the importance of diplomacy and cooperation.
Pakistan and Maldives Plan to Increase Bilateral Trade
One of the main outcomes of the meeting was a plan to increase trade between Pakistan and the Maldives. The two countries aim to raise bilateral trade from its current level of around $13 million to $200 million over the next two years.
The leaders discussed possible agreements to support this target and create more opportunities for businesses in both countries. Greater cooperation in trade and investment could help expand economic links and encourage new commercial partnerships.
President Zardari welcomed President Muizzu on the first state visit by a Maldivian president to Pakistan in 11 years. He said relations between the two countries were based on shared faith, mutual trust, and respect for each other’s sovereignty.
Zardari also highlighted Pakistan’s past contributions to the Maldives, including the construction of the Maldivian Parliament building and the School of Medicine in Malé. These projects were presented as examples of the longstanding relationship between the two countries.
Climate Change and Environmental Cooperation
Climate change was another important topic during the talks. Pakistan and the Maldives face environmental challenges, although their vulnerabilities differ. The Maldives is particularly exposed to rising sea levels, while Pakistan faces risks from floods, extreme weather, and other climate-related disasters.
President Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s willingness to support the Maldives in climate adaptation, disaster management, and environmental protection. He also expressed support for President Muizzu’s Five Million Tree Initiative.
Both countries explored ways to strengthen cooperation on environmental protection and climate resilience. The discussions reflected their shared interest in improving preparedness for climate-related emergencies and supporting sustainable development.
The leaders also discussed cooperation in education, healthcare, human resource development, and social protection to strengthen people-to-people ties.
Zardari and Muizzu Discuss Regional and International Issues
The two presidents exchanged views on regional and international developments. They stressed the importance of diplomacy, dialogue, and respect for international law under the United Nations Charter.
Both leaders also reiterated their support for the rights of the Palestinian people and the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state.
The Maldivian delegation included Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam, Defence and National Services Minister Hassan Rasheed, Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihusaan, and Economic Development Minister Mohamed Saeed.
Pakistan’s delegation included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, and Senators Sherry Rehman and Saleem Mandviwala.
Following the official talks, President Zardari hosted a state banquet in honour of the Maldivian delegation. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, and the service chiefs of the Pakistan Navy and Air Force attended the event.
First Ladies Discuss Women’s Empowerment and Public Health
Separately, First Lady Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari met Maldivian First Lady Sajidha Mohamed at Aiwan-e-Sadr. Their meeting focused on women’s empowerment, youth development, public health, education, and economic opportunities for women.
The two first ladies agreed to explore greater cooperation in vocational training, educational exchanges, tourism, cost-effective agriculture, and female entrepreneurship.
Aseefa Bhutto Zardari praised Sajidha Mohamed’s professional work at the Maldives Food and Drug Authority and her role during the COVID-19 pandemic response.
She also highlighted Pakistan’s social protection programmes, including the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), which provides financial assistance to vulnerable women. The Benazir Nashonuma Programme was also discussed for its work addressing childhood stunting and maternal malnutrition.
Aseefa stressed that women’s economic independence was important for reducing poverty and improving family welfare. She also presented pink ribbons to Sajidha Mohamed and her delegation as part of breast cancer awareness efforts.
The meeting was attended by Maldivian Health Minister Dr. Geela Ali, Minister of State for Federal Education Wajiha Qamar, BISP Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid, and Member of the National Assembly Shazia Marri.
The talks marked another step in Pakistan-Maldives relations, with both sides aiming to strengthen trade, investment, environmental cooperation, and social development over the coming years.
