PM, Maldives minister discuss cooperation

They discussed prospects to enhance people-to-people contact through SAARC

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday met Maldives Foreign Minister Mohamed Asim and discussed bilateral relations between the two countries.

They discussed prospects to enhance people-to-people contact through South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation [SAARC].

The foreign minister is on a three-day visit to Pakistan [April 23-26] on the invitation of Adviser to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz.



Although, full details of the meeting were not disclosed by the PM House, initiatives between the two countries to enhance educational prospects for Maldivian students in Pakistan were also possibly discussed.

A statement issued earlier ahead of Asim’s arrival said, “Bilateral relations between Pakistan and the Maldives are characterised by cordiality, mutual respect and commonality of interests. Both countries are bound in fraternal bonds of common faith and continue to support each other at various international forums. The visit will help in further strengthening of bilateral relations between the two countries.”



On Monday, the adviser welcomed the foreign minister and his delegation to Pakistan. During discussions, both officials expressed satisfaction over the “trajectory of the brotherly bilateral relations, and agreed to further strengthen the cordial relations between the two countries through increased cooperation in different fields especially high-level engagement. The regional situation and matters relating to SAARC were also discussed.”

The adviser observed that there is a huge potential of cooperation between the two countries in the field of culture, education, tourism and sports. He assured that Pakistan will continue to provide training and development opportunities to Maldivian students.

The foreign minister of Maldives appreciated the government for its help to the people and the Maldives government on various occasions. He highlighted that cooperation in the fields of culture and education will further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries, said an official press release.