Pakistan and Maldives Exchange 20 Cooperation Agreements

Pakistan and the Maldives exchanged 20 memorandums of understanding during Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu’s state visit to Islamabad, expanding planned cooperation across security, trade and civilian sectors. The agreements were witnessed by Muizzu and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on October 21. The memorandums cover defence cooperation, maritime security, information technology, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, as well as efforts to combat illicit trafficking and narcotics. Other areas include health, education, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, environmental protection, air connectivity, vocational training and youth programs. The agreements also include cooperation between police academies and civil service bodies. Sharif said the two countries had agreed to increase bilateral trade to $200 million within two years. Reports gave the current trade level as $13 million, with one providing the more precise figure of $13.9 million. The statements did not specify the measurement period for the baseline or target. The prime minister said Pakistan would provide the Maldives with 100,000 olive cuttings and 100,000 seeds of various plants to support its...