ISLAMABAD (MNN); Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday described his meeting with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto as extremely productive and gratifying, with both leaders agreeing to broaden bilateral trade and cooperation.
Speaking at a ceremony marking the signing of several MoUs between the two countries, PM Shehbaz said the two sides had decided to promote bilateral trade, cultural exchanges, and collaboration in medical health, education and vocational training.
He assured the visiting president that Pakistan would work closely with Indonesia to achieve the agreed targets.
The premier highlighted that current bilateral trade stood at 4.5 billion dollars, with more than 90 per cent comprising palm oil imports from Indonesia. He said both sides had discussed corrective steps to balance trade by expanding Pakistan’s agricultural exports and IT-based initiatives.
PM Shehbaz announced that Pakistan would send doctors, dentists, medical professors and experts to Indonesia, which is setting up a large number of medical institutes. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting its brotherly nation.
He expressed Pakistan’s warmth and sincerity towards Indonesia and noted that the president’s visit coincided with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations. He proposed celebrating the milestone simultaneously in Jakarta and Islamabad.
Recalling historic ties, he said the relationship between the two nations predated independence, and Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah had supported Indonesia’s freedom struggle. He also highlighted Indonesia’s unwavering support for Pakistan during the 1965 war.
The premier praised Indonesia’s principled position on Gaza, noting that while bloodshed had reduced, Israeli ceasefire violations continued. He said it was time to collectively work for lasting peace.
PM Shehbaz voiced confidence that the visit would elevate bilateral ties further and reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to cooperate with Indonesia for regional progress and stability.
Nishan-i-Pakistan conferred on Indonesian president
ISLAMABAD – President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday awarded Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto the Nishan-i-Pakistan, the country’s highest civil honour, at a ceremony held at Aiwan-i-Sadr.
The ceremony was attended by Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, the air and naval chiefs, and members of the federal cabinet.
Earlier, President Zardari met his Indonesian counterpart and discussed historic ties, shared values and the foundations laid by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and former Indonesian president Sukarno. Both leaders reaffirmed their intent to work together for peace, stability and prosperity.
They discussed expanding cooperation in climate resilience, disaster management and sustainable development, and explored economic opportunities in renewable energy and tourism.
President Zardari emphasised the need for balanced market access and diversification of Pakistan’s exports. Both sides welcomed the Joint Trade Committee as a platform to advance business linkages and resolve trade issues.
They agreed to strengthen defence ties through joint training and production, and reaffirmed cooperation on countering Islamophobia and promoting Muslim unity. President Zardari also expressed condolences over the loss of lives in recent floods in Indonesia’s Sumatra region.
He briefed President Prabowo on the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Prabowo hails ‘historic and brotherly relations’
In his address, President Prabowo expressed gratitude for the warm welcome he received in Pakistan, thanking both PM Shehbaz and President Zardari.
He said the talks had been very productive, resulting in significant agreements across multiple sectors. He stressed that both nations shared common values and interests as two of the world’s largest Muslim countries, representing a moderate and inclusive interpretation of Islam.
Calling bilateral relations solid and historic, he said it was essential to utilise this strong foundation for the benefit of both nations.
The Indonesian leader appreciated Pakistan’s support in the health sector, especially the decision to send medical professionals. He said Indonesia had a vast demand for doctors and dentists and was launching a major educational programme in the field.
President Prabowo said he had directed his ministers to accelerate efforts to rebalance bilateral trade and assured Islamabad of Indonesia’s commitment to move forward swiftly. He added that the two nations would align their foreign policies, especially regarding Palestine, and reaffirmed support for a two-state solution.
Expressing optimism about future cooperation, he conveyed his intention to officially invite PM Shehbaz and other Pakistani leaders to Indonesia.
Meeting with Field Marshal Asim Munir
Later in the day, President Prabowo met Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir.
According to the ISPR, both sides discussed regional security, bilateral defence cooperation and matters of mutual interest. They reaffirmed their resolve to further strengthen existing ties between the armed forces of the two brotherly nations.
