Pakistan and Maldives Sign Wide-Ranging MoUs as IIUI Confers Honorary Doctorate on President Muizzu

ISLAMABAD, October 21, 2026 — Pakistan and the Maldives signed a series of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on Wednesday to strengthen bilateral cooperation in defence, maritime security, information technology, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, healthcare, education, agriculture and tourism, among other sectors. During his three-day state visit to Pakistan, Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu was also awarded an honorary doctorate in Politics and International Relations by the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), in recognition of his public service, leadership and contributions to the Muslim Ummah.

Pakistan and Maldives Expand Bilateral Cooperation

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Muizzu witnessed the exchange of documents for the MoUs at a ceremony held during the Maldivian president’s state visit to Pakistan.

The agreements cover a broad range of sectors, reflecting both countries’ commitment to expanding cooperation and strengthening their longstanding bilateral relationship.

In the technology sector, the two countries signed an MoU to promote cooperation in information technology, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, digital skills, technology and innovation. Another agreement aims to strengthen cooperation in combating illicit trafficking and the abuse of narcotic drugs.

The two sides also signed agreements on social protection, healthcare cooperation, and collaboration between the Maldives Food and Drug Authority and Pakistan’s Drug Regulatory Authority. Additional MoUs cover the recruitment of healthcare professionals, stronger defence ties and maritime security cooperation.

Agriculture and fisheries were also included in the agreements, with both countries seeking to expand cooperation in these areas.

To strengthen educational links, Pakistan and the Maldives signed MoUs on technical and vocational education and training, as well as broader educational cooperation. Other agreements focus on youth and sports development, air connectivity, tourism, and cooperation in arts, culture and heritage.

The two countries also exchanged documents relating to institutional cooperation between their respective police academies and civil service institutions.

In a move to boost commercial engagement, the Maldives State Trading Organisation (STO) and the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) signed an MoU to cooperate in the trade of agricultural commodities, food and other products. Another agreement aims to promote cooperation in environmental protection.

The agreements were signed during President Muizzu’s first visit to Pakistan in 11 years, which coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, established in 1966.

IIUI Awards Honorary Doctorate to President Muizzu

Separately, the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) conferred an honorary doctorate in Politics and International Relations on President Muizzu at its 13th Special Convocation, held at the Prime Minister’s House on Wednesday.

The degree recognised his distinguished public service, leadership, governance reforms, institutional development in the Maldives, commitment to Islamic values, promotion of justice and equality, and contributions to the Muslim Ummah.

The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, members of the federal cabinet, the Maldivian presidential delegation, IIUI Rector Professor Dr. Ahmed Saad Alahmed and senior government officials.

The honorary degree was awarded on behalf of Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, in his capacity as Chancellor and Chairman of the university’s Board of Trustees. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, accompanied by the IIUI rector, presented the degree to President Muizzu.

Reading the citation, IIUI Vice President Academics Dr. Nadeem Ahmed Sheikh highlighted the Maldivian president’s public service, leadership, governance reforms and efforts to uphold Islamic values and promote justice and equality.

In his remarks, President Muizzu recalled receiving his doctorate 17 years ago and said that receiving the recognition from IIUI was beyond what he could have imagined at the time.

He described the honorary doctorate as deeply meaningful, adding that the honour belonged not only to him but also to the people of the Maldives and reflected the friendship between the two countries.

President Muizzu also highlighted the importance of moral responsibility in an era of rapid technological advancement, noting that the world continued to face conflict, injustice and human suffering.

He praised IIUI for upholding the principle that faith and knowledge should advance together in the service of humanity.

Despite the Maldives’ status as a small island nation, Muizzu said, the country firmly believed that dignity was not determined by geographical size, while integrity was not measured by economic or military strength.

He stressed that every nation deserved respect, every people deserved dignity, and every generation deserved the opportunity to inherit a more peaceful and just world.

The Maldivian president concluded by expressing hope that the longstanding friendly and brotherly relations between Pakistan and the Maldives would continue to grow and flourish.

The visit and the agreements signed during it mark a significant step in efforts by Islamabad and Malé to deepen bilateral engagement across political, economic, security, educational and cultural sectors.