Maldives visit: Nawaz accuses India of harming SAARC

Says Pakistan ready to extend all possible cooperation to Maldives for welfare and development<br />

MALE: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Tuesday that India harmed the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and undermined the spirit of the regional forum.

Addressing a joint news conference along with Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom in Male, he said both the countries share common views to make SAARC a vibrant organisation for regional development.

The prime minister said he also exchanged views with the Maldivian President over ongoing brutal repression by Indian forces in Occupied Kashmir.



He said Pakistan is ready to extend all possible cooperation to Maldives for welfare and development of its people.

He said the two countries have agreed to enhance cooperation in diverse areas, including trade, education, defence, tourism, and people to people contacts, and several Memoranda of Understanding were signed for the purpose.

Nawaz said four joint working committees have been set up to oversee implementation of the MoUs. He said Pakistan-Maldives Joint Business Council and Joint Working Group have been established.

Earlier, a formal welcoming ceremony in honour of the Prime Minister was held at president's office, where Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom greeted him.



A smartly turned out contingent of the armed forces of Maldives presented Guard of Honour to the prime minister. Seven gun salute was also offered to greet him.

Nawaz inspected the Guard of Honour and national anthems of the two countries were played.

President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom introduced the cabinet members and others to the premier.

First Lady Kasloom Nawaz and Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz are accompanying the prime minister on his three-day visit.

Nawaz Sharif will be Chief Guest at the celebrations of 52nd Independence Day of Maldives being celebrated today (Wednesday).

Several Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) were signed between Pakistan and Maldives in Maley today.

These MoUs include cooperation in various sectors like trade and development of human resources, tourism, higher education, climate change and foreign, civil services.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Maldivian President Abdullah Yamin Abdul Gayoom were also present on the occasion. APP