Maledive: Pakistan and the Maldives held discussions to 'further enhance' military-to-military engagements, an official statement said Friday. The talks aimed at assessing and expanding the defense collaboration between the two nations.

According to Anadolu Agency, the dialogues were part of an official visit to the Maldives by Pakistani Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee chairman Gen. Sahir Shamshad Mirza. During his visit, Gen. Mirza met with Maldives' President Mohamed Muizzu, Defense Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon, and Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Hilmy, chief of the defense force. The discussions focused on the 'evolving global and regional security environment and issues of mutual interest,' which included bilateral defense and security cooperation.

Both sides expressed their intention to explore new avenues for military engagements and affirmed their commitment to strengthening the partnership. The Pakistani military statement highlighted the mutual interest in enhancing military-to-military engagements and underlined the importance of this collaboration.

Further insights from the Maldives presidency statement revealed that President Muizzu and Gen. Mirza emphasized the need for continued collaboration. They reiterated their commitment to bolstering the longstanding bilateral relationship between the Maldives and Pakistan, focusing on mutual benefits and strategic interests.