Maldives-Pakistan discuss parliamentary cooperation

A high-level delegation of ruling People's National Congress (PNC)’s lawmakers, led by Parliament Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla, held a meeting with Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan Sardar Ayaz Sadiq in Islamabad on Tuesday.

The meeting, held at the Parliament House of Pakistan, saw Speaker Ayaz Sadiq welcome the Maldivian delegation, comprising 16 PNC lawmakers.

According to Pakistani media reports, the discussions centred primarily on further strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries, with particular emphasis on expanding cooperation between their respective legislative institutions.

Pakistani newspaper Business Recorder reported that Speaker Ayaz Sadiq described the visit by the Maldivian delegation as a significant step toward strengthening ties between the institutions of the two countries. He also underscored Pakistan's longstanding friendly relations with the Maldives and expressed a desire to broaden cooperation in the parliamentary sphere.

Speaker Abdul Raheem, meanwhile, expressed his appreciation to the Speaker of the National Assembly for the support extended during the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Conference in Cape Town, South Africa. He reaffirmed the Maldives' commitment to its relationship with Pakistan and thanked the Pakistani side for the warm hospitality extended to the delegation upon its arrival.

During the meeting, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq also underscored the important role of the Parliamentary Friendship Groups of Pakistan and the Maldives in promoting closer relations between the two countries.

The Maldivian delegation's official visit to Pakistan is being conducted at the formal invitation of the Speaker of the National Assembly.