Your Excellency Mohammed Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Dignitaries, Members of press school, Ladies and Gentleman.
Prime Minister Nawaz Shareef, I wish to thank you, and your government, and the brotherly people of Pakistan for the very warm welcome and the generous hospitality that you have extended to me, to my wife, and to the members of my delegation since our arrival yesterday in this great city of Islamabad. I am extremely happy to visit Pakistan at your invitation and to observe the nation’s rich culture and admire the development of progress achieved by its industrious and friendly people.
Excellency Prime Minister,
The Maldives and Pakistan enjoy excellent bilateral relations and development cooperation based on mutual trust and understandings, which are strengthened by people to people exchanges at all levels. As we are near the completion of almost 49 years of bilateral relations, there had been indeed numerous high points in Maldives Pakistan ties. The high points of relations have coincided with your previous channel of premiership. This is of course no coincidence. Time and time again Pakistan has proven itself to be a loyal friend to the Maldives, in times of triumph and tragedy. A decade ago the Maldives was affected by the Asian’s tsunami. Pakistan’s response to our appeal for support and assistance in our recovery efforts was overwhelming and greatly appreciated. Bilateral relations have been further strengthened over the years through broad developmental corporations between our two countries. In a plethora of fields ranging from infrastructure, defence and human resource development.
Mr. Prime Minister, I had the honour to meet with the president Mamnoon Hussain yesterday, and to discuss avenues to enhance the existing ties of friendship and cooperation between our neighbourly Islamic countries. I remain confident that our shared values and commitment to enhanced regional cooperation will ensure even closer fraternal relations between Pakistan and Maldives.
Prime Minister Sharif and I have just concluded a very fruitful interactive sessions, both one to one and together with high level delegations from our respective countries. Following the extensive discussions on various issues of mutual interests during the official talks, Prime Minister Sharif and I had the pleasure short while ago to witness a signing of a number of important agreements between our two countries; Including agreements and MOU’s on health, education and sports cooperation, and strengthening mechanisms to combat illicit drugs trafficking and narcotic abuse.
Excellency, once again I thank you for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to me and my delegation. Please accept Excellency my sincerest wishes for your good health and wellbeing. I foresee ties being elevated to a higher plan with conclusion of this state visit. I look forward to a long lasting partnership that will not only strengthen existing ties, but also open new areas for cooperation and provide mutual benefits to Maldives and Pakistan. And Mr. Prime Minister, let me invite you to Maldives, as we mark the bicentennial celebration of independence. We would very much appreciate the Pakistani Prime Minister being part of our ceremony. Please Mr. Prime Minister, take some time and visit us, Maldives. Thank you Mr. Prime Minister.