Gilani Emphasizes Expansion of Pakistan-Maldives Ties Across Key Sectors

Islamabad: Acting President Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani has emphasized the expansion of ties between Pakistan and the Maldives across various sectors, including trade, tourism, education, health, youth development, climate cooperation, and defense. He was speaking to a delegation from the Maldives led by Abdul Raheem Abdulla, Speaker of the People’s Majlis.

According to Radio Pakistan, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani highlighted Pakistan’s ability to meet Maldivian demand for textiles, rice, cement, meat, fruits, vegetables, and pharmaceuticals, and reiterated Pakistan’s interest in strengthening defense cooperation. He added that Pakistan would continue supporting Maldivian development, particularly through scholarships for Maldivian students in medicine, engineering, pharmacy, and dentistry. He also highlighted the importance of promoting tourism cooperation and learning from each other’s expertise in this vital sector.

On regional matters, the Acting President reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to promoting peace and cooperation in South Asia and reviving SAARC as a platform for regional development, expressing hope that the Maldives would play an active role. Referring to the developments in Jammu and Kashmir since April this year, he reiterated that a peaceful resolution in line with UN Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people is essential for lasting peace in the region.

Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani also handed over an invitation to Mr. Abdul Raheem Abdulla to attend the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference, scheduled to be held in Islamabad in November this year. Abdul Raheem Abdulla said the Maldives regards Pakistan as a close partner in the region. He also said the Maldives greatly values Pakistan’s support, particularly in education, health, and trade, and is grateful for the scholarships offered to Maldivian students and the contributions of Pakistani professionals serving in key sectors.

In a related development, Acting President Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, also the Founding Chairman of the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference, held a telephonic conversation with the Speaker of the Federation Council of Russia, Ms. Valentina Matviyenko. During the conversation, he extended an invitation for her to attend the same conference in Islamabad. The Acting President lauded Ms. Matviyenko’s leadership in advancing relations between the Federation Council of Russia and the Senate of Pakistan, recalling their past productive exchanges during mutual visits.

Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani underlined the mission of the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference, launched in April 2025, to promote parliamentary diplomacy and encourage peace, harmony, and prosperity through dialogue among legislatures. He said Russia’s participation would enrich the conference and help take forward their shared commitment to global peace and sustainable development. In her remarks, Ms. Matviyenko thanked the Acting President for the invitation and assured that Russia would be represented by a high-level delegation at the conference.