Pakistani PM embarks on 3-day visit to Maldives

By APD Writer Muhammad Sohail

ISLAMABAD, July 25 (APD) -- Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday embarked on a three-day official visit to Maldives, an official statement said.

The PM, accompanied by a high-level delegation, is visiting the country on the invitation of Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom.

Pakistani PM will be Chief Guest at the celebrations of 52nd Independence Day of Maldives being held on Wednesday.

PM Sharif will also hold official talks with Maldivian President, while a number of Memorandum of Understandings and agreements will be signed during the visit for cooperation between the two countries in various fields.

“Pakistan attaches high importance to its relations with the Maldives which are characterized by cordiality, mutual respect, and commonality of interests,” a statement from Pakistan’s Foreign Office said.

The statement said diplomatic relations with Maldives, established on July 26, 1966, had grown from strength to strength. Both the countries closely coordinate with each other at regional and international fora on issues of mutual importance.

“The Pakistan-Maldives relationships are marked by close and warm sentiments between the people of the two countries.

The visit of the Prime Minister will provide impetus to further strengthen our bilateral relations with the Maldives in all areas including political, trade, economic, defense, tourism, education and people to people contacts,” the Foreign Office said.

The visit is in line with our proactive policy of engagement with the countries of the region, the foreign office said.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)