ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Indonesia have resolved to strengthen their collaboration across various sectors, including trade, culture, health, education, and vocational training.
This understanding was established during a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Islamabad earlier today.
Addressing a joint press briefing following the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif pledged to work in close partnership with the Indonesian President to achieve defined goals in the areas of cooperation.
Focusing on the bilateral trade volume of $4.5 billion, the Prime Minister highlighted that both parties had discussed strategies to balance the trade deficit by enhancing Pakistani exports of agricultural products and IT services.
Shehbaz Sharif also announced Pakistan’s intention to dispatch medical professionals, including doctors and dentists, along with other related experts, to Indonesia to meet its healthcare requirements.
The Prime Minister emphasized the enduring nature of Pakistan-Indonesia relations, spanning over seventy-five years. He noted that President Subianto’s visit coincides with the anniversary of diplomatic ties and expressed Pakistan’s keen interest in celebrating this milestone appropriately.
Reflecting on historic support, the Prime Minister recalled Indonesia’s unwavering solidarity with Pakistan during the 1965 conflict with a neighboring nation and assured its remembrance by the people of Pakistan for generations.
He expressed confidence that the visit would elevate the brotherly relationship between the two nations. Highlighting shared aspirations, he stressed commitment to fostering development and peace not only within their nations but across the broader region.
On his part, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto stated that both countries had agreed to accelerate efforts for rebalancing bilateral trade relations in tangible ways. He affirmed interest in expanding cooperation in education, agriculture, health, and various other mutually beneficial areas.
The President expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s willingness to provide medical experts to boost Indonesia’s healthcare capacity. He also underscored alignment between both nations in foreign policy matters, particularly their unified stance on Palestine. Advocating for the two-state solution, he reiterated Indonesia and Pakistan’s consistent position on the issue.
President Subianto sincerely thanked the government and people of Pakistan for their warm reception and exceptional hospitality during his visit. He revealed his honor at witnessing PAF fighter jets, including JF-17 Thunder, escorting his plane upon arrival.
In conclusion, he extended an invitation to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to visit Indonesia at mutually convenient dates in the future.
