Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif held delegation level meeting with President of Maldives Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom at President’s Office in Male today. The Prime Minister was assisted by Advisor to PM on Foreign Affairs Mr. Sartaj Aziz, Senator Pervaiz Rashid, Managing Director Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation, President Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries and other senior officials. During the meeting, the Prime Minister stated that Pakistan attaches importance to its relations with the Maldives which is characterized by cordiality, mutual respect and commonality of interests.
The Prime Minister indicated that signing a number of MOUs on Tourism, Trade Promotion, higher education and human resource capacity building would help in further consolidating bilateral relations.
The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of economic cooperation and especially the need to enhance bilateral trade, between the two countries which is currently below its true potential.
The establishment of Pakistan- Maldives Joint Business Council will not only promote trade but also investment in different sectors. The Prime Minister also highlighted possibilities of cooperation in other sectors including defense, health, education, sports, fisheries, tourism and culture.
The two leaders agreed that SAARC can provide a conducive and congenial atmosphere to build economic synergies and transform the quality of life of the peoples of South Asia. Pakistan, added the Prime Minister was committed to the SAARC Charter and wishes to see SAARC as a vibrant regional organization.
The Prime Minister stated that Pakistan is deeply concerned over the global environmental issues and in particular, the threat that global warming poses to the island nations such as the Maldives. Pakistan is ready to cooperate with the Maldives in the field of climate change.
The Prime Minister also held one-on-one meeting with the President of Maldives wherein the Prime Minister thanked the President for the warm welcome and the invitation to attend the 52nd Independence Day of Maldives.
Earlier, upon arrival at Male the Prime Minister was warmly received by the President of Maldives with Guard of Honour and Gun salute.
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