Islamabad: Pakistan and Maldives have agreed to establish Joint Working Groups to bolster bilateral cooperation in several key sectors, following a meeting between H.E. Mr. Muhammad Thoha, the High Commissioner of Maldives to Pakistan, and Mr. Ahad Cheema, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Economic Affairs.

According to Press Information Department, the meeting resulted in a proposal from Minister Ahad Cheema to create sector-specific Joint Working Groups (JWGs) focusing on Tourism, Trade, Labour, Investment, and Aviation under the Pakistan-Maldives Joint Commission framework. The High Commissioner welcomed this proposal and assured that the Maldives would send official representatives for these working groups soon.

Both sides have planned to hold the Inaugural Session of the Pakistan-Maldives Joint Commission in early 2025. During the meeting, Minister Cheema expressed Pakistan’s interest in exploring new cooperative avenues with the Maldives, specifically inviting the Maldivian side to explore Pakistan’s Halal meat, agricultural products, fruits, and surgical instruments industries. The High Commissioner highlighted the geographical proximity between Karachi and a Maldivian port as an opportunity to enhance bilateral trade.

The meeting also underscored the potential for both countries to collaborate in regional and international forums such as SAARC and OIC, particularly on climate action. Both parties agreed to continue efforts to strengthen bilateral ties.