Pakistan, Oct. 19 -- Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu will arrive in Pakistan on Tuesday for a three-day state visit, the first by a Maldivian head of state in 11 years. The visit, taking place as the two countries mark 60 years of diplomatic relations, will include talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari, a business forum and the expected signing of several agreements. With Islamabad seeking to widen its diplomatic and economic engagement, the visit offers an opportunity to give a longstanding friendship greater practical value.

Pakistan and the Maldives have enjoyed cordial relations since 1966. Islamabad helped build the Maldivian parliament and establish its first medical college. During the devastati...