President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has expressed hope that the long-standing friendship between the Maldives and Pakistan will be further strengthened, paving the way for sustainable development in both countries.

The President arrived in Pakistan tonight upon a special invitation from Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

In a post on X following his arrival in Pakistan, the President sincerely thanked the government and people of Pakistan for the warm welcome accorded to him.

The President stated that he hopes this close relationship forged between the two countries will open up opportunities to achieve sustainable economic and social progress and development.

Upon the President's arrival in Pakistan tonight, he was welcomed at the airport by a senior government delegation of the country, and a 21-gun salute was presented in honor of the President.

The President's Office stated today that First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, some cabinet ministers, members of parliament, and a senior government delegation are accompanying the President on this trip.

The President's Office stated that during this visit, the President is scheduled to meet with Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, and other senior officials of the country.

In addition, to further strengthen the close relations between the Maldives and Pakistan, official talks will be held with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Following the official talks, both leaders will grace the ceremony for exchanging several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation across various sectors, the President's Office said.

According to President's Office Chief Spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef (Mundhu), a business forum with 300 participants will also be held in Pakistan during the President's visit.

Pakistan's "Samaa News" reported that Pakistan and the Maldives will sign around 12 agreements during this visit.

A statement issued yesterday by the Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that the agreements to be signed with the Maldives cover trade and investment, health, education, climate change, tourism, civil aviation, and defense and military sectors.