Pak, Maldives ink accords to enhance cooperation in trade & education

• India harmed SAARC, undermined spirit of regional forum; Pakistan 
• attaches importance to relations with Maldives; Four joint working 
• bodies have been set up to oversee implementation of MoUs: Nawaz
• PM Nawaz holds one-on-one meeting with the President of Maldives;
• Both countries agree to increase bilateral cooperation in diverse fields;
• Accorded a warm reception on arrival on 3-day official visit Tuesday

MALE (Maldives): Pakistan and Maldives on Monday signed a number of Memorandums of Understandings (MoUs) to further bolster bilateral cooperation in areas of trade, education, tourism etc.

Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Maldives President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom witnessed the signing ceremony.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif says India has harmed South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation and undermined the spirit of the regional forum. 

Addressing a joint news conference along with Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom in Male on Tuesday, he said both the countries share common views to make SAARC a vibrant organization for regional development.

The Prime Minister said he also exchanged views with the Maldivian President over ongoing brutal repression by Indian forces in Occupied Kashmir.

He said Pakistan is ready to extend all possible cooperation to Maldives for welfare and development of its people. He said the two countries have agreed to enhance cooperation in diverse areas, including trade, education, defence, tourism, and people to people contacts, and several Memoranda of Understanding were signed for the purpose.

The Prime Minister said four joint working committees have been set up to oversee implementation of the MoUs. He said Pakistan-Maldives Joint Business Council and Joint Working Group have been established.

Earlier, a formal welcoming ceremony in honor of the Prime Minister was held at President's office, where Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom greeted him.

A smartly turned out contingent of the armed forces of Maldives presented Guard of Honor to the Prime Minister. Seven gun salute was also offered to greet him.

Nawaz Sharif inspected the Guard of Honor and national anthems of the two countries were played.

President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom introduced the cabinet members and others to the Prime Minister. 

First Lady Kasloom Nawaz and Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz are accompanying the prime minister.

Nawaz Sharif will be Chief Guest at the celebrations of 52nd Independence Day of Maldives being celebrated tomorrow.

Several Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) were signed between Pakistan and Maldives in Maley today.

Earlier, Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif held delegation level meeting with President of Maldives Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom at President's Office in Male Tuesday.

The Prime Minister was assisted by Advisor to PM on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, Senator Pervaiz Rashid, Managing Director Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation, President Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries and other senior officials.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister stated that Pakistan attaches importance to its relations with the Maldives which is characterized by cordiality, mutual respect and commonality of interests. 

The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of economic cooperation and especially the need to enhance bilateral trade, between the two countries which is currently below its true potential. 

The establishment of Pakistan- Maldives Joint Business Council will not only promote trade but also investment in different sectors. 

The Prime Minister also highlighted possibilities of cooperation in other sectors including defense, health, education, sports, fisheries, tourism and culture. 

The two leaders agreed that SAARC can provide a conducive and congenial atmosphere to build economic synergies and transform the quality of life of the peoples of South Asia. Pakistan, added the Prime Minister was committed to the SAARC Charter and wishes to see SAARC as a vibrant regional organization. 

The Prime Minister stated that Pakistan is deeply concerned over the global environmental issues and in particular, the threat that global warming poses to the island nations such as the Maldives. Pakistan is ready to cooperate with the Maldives in the field of climate change. 

The Prime Minister also held one-on-one meeting with the President of Maldives wherein the Prime Minister thanked the President for the warm welcome and the invitation to attend the 52nd Independence Day of Maldives. 

Earlier, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif arrived in Maldives on Tuesday on a three days official visit. 

On arrival, he was received by Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom and cabinet members.    

The PM will be Chief Guest at the celebrations of 52nd Independence Day of Maldives being celebrated today (Wednesday).

Diplomatic relations with Maldives, established on July 26, 1966 have grown from strength to strength. Both the countries closely coordinate with each other at regional and international forums on issues of mutual importance.  The Pakistan- Maldives relationships are marked by close and warm sentiments between the people of the two countries. The visit will provide impetus to further strengthened our bilateral relations with the Maldives in all areas, including political, trade, economic, defence, tourism, education and people to people contact. - NNI