The Maldives and Pakistan have reaffirmed their support for Palestinian statehood and highlighted the importance of stronger regional cooperation, including renewed efforts to revitalise the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
The issues were discussed during President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s state visit to Pakistan, where he held bilateral talks with Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad on Wednesday.
In their joint press statements, both leaders reiterated their support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state.
Muizzu reaffirmed the Maldives’ support for a Palestinian state based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. He also commended Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to promote dialogue, de-escalation, humanitarian assistance and a just and lasting peace amid the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
Sharif likewise welcomed the Maldives’ steadfast support for Palestine and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to Palestinian statehood in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions.
The two leaders also highlighted the importance of cooperation through international and regional organisations, including the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Addressing regional cooperation, Muizzu said the Maldives remained firmly committed to revitalising SAARC and believed the organisation had significant potential to address shared regional challenges through collective action.
He said the Maldives was ready to work closely with all SAARC member states to create the necessary conditions for convening the next summit at the earliest possible opportunity.
Muizzu stressed that rebuilding trust, encouraging meaningful dialogue and strengthening mutual understanding were essential to unlocking the potential of regional cooperation.
The visit comes as the Maldives and Pakistan mark 60 years of diplomatic relations. Both leaders expressed their commitment to building a broader partnership based on shared values, mutual respect and closer cooperation.
During the talks, the two countries also exchanged 20 memorandums of understanding covering areas including trade, healthcare, education, defence, tourism, agriculture and technology.
The leaders said the agreements should be translated into tangible benefits for their people as the two countries seek to strengthen their longstanding ties.
