ISLAMABAD, Oct 21 (APP): Pakistan and the Maldives on Wednesday signed a series of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at deepening bilateral relations in multiple sectors, including defence, IT, cybersecurity, health, education, social protection, agriculture and tourism, among others.
The pacts were signed during the three-day state visit of President of the Maldives Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, which is the first visit by the country’s president in 11 years, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic relations.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Dr Muizzu witnessed the ceremony as the representatives from both sides exchanged the pre-signed documents.
The two countries signed an MoU on cooperation in the fields of information technology, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, digital skills, and technology and innovation. An MoU was inked to strengthen cooperation in combating illicit trafficking and abuse of narcotic drugs.
The two sides also signed an MoU on social protection as well as on health cooperation and between the Maldives Food and Drug Authority and the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan.
Both nations signed MoUs focused on the recruitment of health professionals, strengthening defence ties and maritime security cooperation.
With a view to boosting agricultural cooperation, an MoU was signed on the subject between the two countries, besides another one on promoting fisheries cooperation.
To promote ties in technical and vocational education, an MoU on collaboration to promote technical and vocational education and training was signed, while another MoU was inked to promote educational cooperation.
The representatives of Pakistan and Maldives also exchanged documents on MoUs on cooperation in the field of youth and sports development, air connectivity, tourism and in the field of arts, culture and heritage.
The MoUs were signed between the National College of Policy and Law Enforcement of the Maldives Police Service and National Police Academy, Islamabad; Civil Service Commission of Maldives and the Federal Public Service Commission of Pakistan; and Civil Service Commission of Maldives and Civil Service Academy (CSA) of Pakistan.
In order to boost commercial engagement, an MoU was signed between the Maldives State Trading Organisation (STO) and Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) for cooperation in trade of agriculture commodities, food and other products, besides signing another pact aimed at boosting cooperation in the field of environment.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
