Maldives President, Pakistan CDF Discuss Defence Cooperation

Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu met with Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir in Islamabad to discuss bilateral defence cooperation and regional security on October 21, 2026. The visit marks the first by a Maldivian head of state to Pakistan in 11 years, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations established between the two countries in 1966.

Defense Cooperation and Regional Security Talks in Islamabad

During the meeting at the capital, the two military and political figures reviewed matters of mutual interest and the prevailing regional security environment. State-run Radio Pakistan reported that both sides underscored the importance of strengthening defence cooperation, building institutional linkages, and promoting professional exchanges.

Field Marshal Munir highlighted the longstanding and cordial relations between Pakistan and the Maldives. He reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to further expanding bilateral ties and promoting peace, stability, and security in the region through constructive engagement.

President Muizzu praised the professionalism of Pakistan’s armed forces and acknowledged the nation’s ongoing contributions toward regional stability. The discussions reflected a shared interest in maintaining regular professional interaction amid evolving regional security challenges.

Bilateral Agreements and Trade Expansion Goals

The defense talks accompanied a broader diplomatic visit hosted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during which the two nations signed 20 memorandums of understanding. The agreements span multiple sectors including information technology, cybersecurity, health, agriculture, tourism, and maritime security cooperation. The premier extended a very warm welcome to the visiting dignitary and his delegation, and expressed his warmest greetings and heartfelt affection to the people of Dhivehi Raajje, the land of islands, a nation whose spirit is as vast as the ocean that surrounds it. PM Shehbaz noted that he and Muizzu discussed all important issues which have direct bearing between our two brotherly countries and of course, regional and international issues, adding that they had a wonderful session, very productive and very fruitful discussions. The conversations encompassed economic and trade relations, strategic defence cooperation, and support for training Maldivians in Pakistan across police, defence, education, health, and other fields. The prime minister announced that both sides had agreed to raise bilateral trade from $13.9 million — which he termed just a fraction of our potential — to $200m in the next two years. Referring to the signed MoUs, he affirmed that he will be very happy to personally work with [Muizzu] to translate these written MoUs into action with prompt decision-making and speedy implementation, declaring that Pakistan was absolutely ready to provide technical expertise to various segments of our mutual cooperation.

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