ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Maldives expressed satisfaction on Thursday over bilateral relations between the two countries and agreed to maintain the momentum.

Maldives Foreign Minister Dunya Maumoon and Adviser to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz discussed regional and international issues during a meeting held at the Foreign Ministry.

Welcoming the delegation, Mr Aziz noted that ties between Pakistan and Maldi­ves were marked by cordiality, mutual respect and commonality of interests.

He observed that the tourism industry of Maldives had been growing and Pakistan would like to develop cooperation in this sector.

He said that development of shipping lines between the two countries held a lot of importance and efforts should be made towards this.

The adviser emphasised the need to follow up on the MoUs and agreements signed in the fields of health, education and narcotics during a visit by the Maldives’ president to Pakistan in May 2015.

The Maldives’ foreign minister called for strengthening bilateral relations by promoting people-to-people contacts.

She said that exchange of students, artists and other professionals would foster goodwill between peoples of the two countries.

She appreciated the support Pakistan had been extending to her country at different regional and international fora.

Published in Dawn, January 29th, 2016