Pakistan, Maldives to back each other

ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain and President of Maldives Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom Wednesday agreed to support each other for the non-permanent seat of UN Security Council.
This was agreed between the two dignitaries during a meeting at the Aiwan-e-Sadr. President Mamnoon Hussain said that both Pakistan and Maldives have played a proactive role in making Saarc a model of regional cooperation, based on the principles of sovereign equality.
He further said that Pakistan is aware of Maldives’ concerns on climate and environmental issues and is willing to cooperate on these issues bilaterally with Maldives as well as under the ambit of Saarc. Both dignitaries also agreed to closely coordinate with each other at the Saarc platform.
He emphasised on exchange of high level visits between the two countries on regular basis. He said that Pakistan is interested in the export of mangoes and rice to Maldives. He also emphasised on expanding bilateral cooperation in the fields of tourism, education, culture and sports between the two countries.
President of Maldives Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom said that his country wants to enhance cooperation with Pakistan in various areas particularly in agriculture and pharmaceutical sectors.
He also thanked President Mamnoon on according warm hospitality.After the meeting, President Mamnoon also hosted state banquet in honour of his Maldivian counterpart. Earlier, on arrival, President Abdullah Yameen Abdul Gayoom was given a warm welcome at Nur Khan Airbase on a two day visit to Pakistan.He was greeted by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and members of his cabinet.