Islamabad (Pakistan News) Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has warned that water is Pakistan’s red line, saying that if India blocks Pakistan’s water supply, it will be considered an act of war. He said Pakistan would not allow water to be used as a weapon.
The prime minister made these remarks while addressing a joint press conference with Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. Earlier, the two leaders held delegation-level talks, during which they agreed to enhance cooperation in various sectors, including bilateral relations, and exchanged 20 memorandums of understanding.
According to state media, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu upon his arrival at the Prime Minister’s House. A guard of honour was presented to the distinguished guest, who inspected it. The Maldivian president also planted a commemorative sapling at the Prime Minister’s House.
During the talks, the two leaders reviewed bilateral relations between Pakistan and the Maldives and exchanged views on regional and international affairs. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed his commitment to further strengthening longstanding brotherly ties with the Maldives and continuing cooperation in support of its national development priorities.
Target Set to Increase Trade to $200 Million
Giving special importance to economic cooperation, the two leaders agreed to enhance bilateral trade, investment, tourism, food security, pharmaceuticals and partnerships between the private sectors. They also stressed the need to improve air and maritime connectivity and hold a meeting of the Joint Economic Commission at the earliest.
During the talks, a target was set to increase bilateral trade from the current $13.4 million to $200 million over the next two years.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s willingness to supply essential food items and medicines to the Maldives, saying that direct arrangements could be made between the two governments for this purpose.
He also announced an additional 20 undergraduate scholarships every year for Maldivian students. The prime minister expressed his commitment to continuing cooperation in healthcare, vocational training and institutional capacity-building.
Pakistan to Provide 100,000 Olive Saplings to the Maldives
Under the Maldivian president’s initiative to plant five million trees, the prime minister announced that Pakistan would provide the Maldives with 100,000 olive saplings and 100,000 seeds of various varieties over the next 12 months. Their supply will depend on the seasonal availability of the relevant plants.
Pakistani experts will be sent to the Maldives to assist in establishing plant nurseries. Through this cooperation, support will be provided to produce a total of one million plants over three years.
Exchange of 20 Memorandums of Understanding
Pakistan and the Maldives exchanged 20 memorandums of understanding to expand cooperation across various sectors. These include healthcare, education, technical training, tourism, civil aviation, agriculture, fisheries, defence, maritime security, law enforcement, civil service, social protection, culture and youth affairs, among other areas.
The two leaders expressed hope that the agreements reached would be implemented in a timely manner to ensure tangible benefits for the people of both countries.
Discussions on Palestine, Kashmir and Regional Security
During discussions on regional and international affairs, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to peace, dialogue, respect for sovereignty and adherence to international law.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appreciated the Maldives’ principled position on Palestine. He also presented Pakistan’s position on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, the Indus Waters Treaty and the regional security situation.
Honorary PhD Degree Conferred on Maldivian President
At a special ceremony, the International Islamic University Islamabad conferred an honorary PhD degree in politics and international relations on Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. The degree was awarded in recognition of his leadership, public service and efforts towards the development of the Maldives.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also hosted a luncheon in honour of the Maldivian president and his delegation.
It is worth noting that this official visit marks the first visit to Pakistan by a Maldivian president in the past 11 years. The visit is taking place as Pakistan and the Maldives mark 60 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations. It is being regarded as an important step towards further strengthening ties between the two countries.