Pakistan’s President Dr. Arif Alvi on Tuesday, 11th October, called for the need to further cement the bilateral ties between Maldives and Pakistan. He called to strengthen the ties in all fields “of mutual interest, especially in the education, health and tourism” sectors.
The Pakistan head of state made the remarks while talking to Pakistan’s High Commissioner-designate to the Maldives Vice Admiral Muhammad Fayyaz Gilani. In their discussion, President Alvi advised the envoy-designate to “especially focus on establishing strategic ties with the Maldives” in trade, business and investment sectors, and strengthen people-to-people contacts.
President Alvi also sought for bilateral cooperation between the countries in health, education, human resource development and in the fields of defense, climate change and tourism. He highlighted the potential cooperation in the tourism industry between the two countries, since Maldives “was a world-class tourism destination” and Pakistan could benefit from its expertise.
During their discussions, President Alvi noted of potential areas where Pakistan could offer assistance to the Maldives, such as distance learning and hybrid learning. He noted that the country could extend their education expertise of Allama Iqbal Open University and the Virtual University of Pakistan, for “imparting competitive and high-quality education in various educational disciplines” to Maldivian students.
He also expressed satisfaction over the existing cordial relations between the countries, and hoped the newly appointed envoy would effectively utilize “all available diplomatic mechanisms.” This include Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC), Joint Economic Commission and Joint Business Councils, to increase the bilateral engagements between Maldives and Pakistan, and enhance cooperation within the framework of SARRC, OIC, UN and the Commonwealth.
The president’s positive aspirations have come at a time when the island nation has been extending significant relief aid to Pakistan, to help the flood victims and survivors.