Maldives president awarded honorary doctorate by Pakistani university

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) in recognition of his contributions to political leadership, national development and international relations.

The honorary doctorate was conferred on Wednesday during a ceremony held at the residence of Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, as part of President Muizzu's official visit to Pakistan.

According to the President's Office, the university awarded the honour in recognition of his contributions across various sectors, his work towards the development of the Maldives and his efforts to strengthen relations with other countries.

President Muizzu is visiting Pakistan at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The visit, which began on Tuesday and is scheduled to conclude on Thursday, coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Pakistan.

Earlier on Wednesday, President Muizzu was formally welcomed at the Prime Minister's residence, where the national anthems of both countries were played and a guard of honour was presented.

During the visit, the Maldives and Pakistan also signed 20 agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) to expand bilateral cooperation in several sectors, including defence, healthcare, education, trade, technology and tourism.

The visit is expected to include the first high-level bilateral meeting between the two countries in a decade.

President Muizzu is also scheduled to meet Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and other senior government officials as part of discussions aimed at strengthening diplomatic and economic relations.

The President's Office said First Lady Sajidha Mohamed is accompanying President Muizzu, along with a delegation comprising Cabinet ministers and senior government officials.

This is the second honorary doctorate awarded to President Muizzu by an international Islamic university.

During his visit to Malaysia last year, the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) conferred on him an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree in Islamic Leadership and Civilisational Development.

The latest recognition comes during President Muizzu's visit to Pakistan, which marks six decades of diplomatic relations between the two countries and includes agreements to expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest.