MALE: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz SharifTuesday arrived here on a three-day official visit on Tuesday.
The prime minister was warmly greeted by President of Maldives AbdullaYameen Abdul Gayoom and First Lady at Male Velana International Airport as he alighted from his special plane.
The prime minister was accompanied by First Lady Kalsum Nawaz, Adviserto PM on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and high officials.
A contingent of Maldivian defence forces presented him salute whiletwo children attired in national dress presented him a bouquet.
During a meeting, the prime minister held official talkswith the Maldivian president.
A number of MoUs and agreements for cooperation in various fields were signed after the talks.
“Pakistan attaches high importance to its relations with the Maldiveswhich are characterized by cordiality, mutual respect and commonality ofinterests,” a Foreign Office statement said.
Diplomatic relations with Maldives, established on July 26, 1966 hadgrown from strength to strength.
Both the countries closely coordinate with each other at regional and international fora on issues of mutual importance.
“The Pakistan-Maldives relationships are marked by close and warmsentiments between the people of the two countries. The visit of the primeminister will provide impetus to further strengthen our bilateral relations with the Maldives in all areas including political, trade, economic, defence, tourism, education and people to people contacts,” the Foreign Office said.