ISLAMABAD – People’s Majlis Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdullah called on Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at Pakistan Army Headquarters, with regional security and expanded bilateral cooperation high on the agenda.
ISPR shared details of the meeting, saying Pakistan-Maldives relations, regional security and expanded bilateral cooperation came into focus as Maldives’ People’s Majlis Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdullah met Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at General Headquarters (GHQ). The high-level meeting covered a range of matters of mutual interest, with regional security and bilateral cooperation featuring prominently in the discussions.
Field Marshal Asim Munir reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to its “fraternal” ties with the Maldives and expressed Islamabad’s resolve to further strengthen relations in areas of mutual benefit, the military’s media wing said.
Maldivian parliamentary speaker, in turn, acknowledged what ISPR described as Pakistan’s constructive contribution to regional peace and stability. Abdullah also expressed a desire to deepen bilateral engagement and broaden cooperation across areas of common interest. GHQ meeting comes amid a broader round of high-level Pakistan-Maldives engagement. Abdullah, who is leading a parliamentary delegation on an official visit to Pakistan, also held talks with Pakistani parliamentary leadership on strengthening institutional and parliamentary cooperation.
The latest engagement underscores the focus both sides are placing on expanding contacts beyond traditional diplomatic channels, with defence, regional security and wider bilateral cooperation forming part of the discussions.
Both sides reaffirmed their interest in maintaining stronger bilateral contacts and exploring additional avenues of cooperation, ISPR said.
Pakistan and the Maldives maintained growing defence and security cooperation, with recent engagement highlighting a shared interest in strengthening military contacts and developing cooperation across several security-related fields.
Training and professional development remain at the heart of the relationship. Maldivian military personnel have participated in training programmes at Pakistani defence institutions, while officials from both countries have explored opportunities to increase the number of courses, exchanges and professional seminars.
Two sides also stepped up high-level military engagement. Meetings between senior defence officials have provided a platform to discuss bilateral security cooperation as well as developments affecting regional stability.
Pakistan, Maldives reaffirm commitment to broaden defence collaboration
Maldives’ position in the Indian Ocean has also made maritime security an important part of the bilateral defence conversation. Cooperation in maritime capabilities, security and capacity-building has featured in discussions between the two sides.
Military interaction has extended beyond official meetings and training programmes. In February 2026, personnel from the Maldives National Defence Force took part in the Pakistan Army Team Spirit competition. The Maldivian Special Forces team won the gold medal at the event, which featured 24 teams from 16 countries and involved a series of physically and tactically demanding challenges.
Senior-level visits have provided further momentum to defence relations. During a visit to the Maldives in October 2025, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza met the country’s senior political and military leadership. Regional security and ways of expanding military-to-military cooperation were among the issues discussed.
For Malé, cooperation with Pakistan offers opportunities for military education, specialised training and participation in multinational exercises. Islamabad, meanwhile, gains a stronger defence and security partnership with an Indian Ocean state, particularly in areas linked to maritime security and regional stability.
