Pakistan, Indonesia reaffirm to further strengthen cooperation in all areas of mutual interest

ISLAMABAD, Dec 09 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto, Tuesday, reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations between the two countries and reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening cooperation in all areas of mutual interest.

These areas included political and diplomatic engagement, economic and trade relations, defense and security, health, education, science and technology, agriculture and environmental collaboration.

Both sides also agreed to elevate their historic bilateral relations to a forward-looking, dynamic partnership.

During the bilateral talks, the prime minister was assisted by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, cabinet ministers and senior officials, PM Office Media Wing, said in a press release.

Expressing satisfaction with the upward trajectory of bilateral trade, both sides agreed to review the Indonesia-Pakistan Preferential Trade Agreement (IP-PTA) to further expand the volume of bilateral trade, which currently stands at around USD 4 billion, while undertaking efforts to address the trade imbalance.They particularly emphasized on the importance of expanding cooperation in the halal industry, trade in agricultural commodities, information technology, technical and vocational education etc.

The two sides agreed to promote collaboration in investments and joint ventures across diverse sectors, through enhanced cooperation between the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and the Sovereign Wealth Fund of Indonesia (Danantara).

While noting Indonesia’s interest in enhancing cooperation in the health sector, the Pakistan side agreed to explore ways to enhance cooperation through the exchange of medical professionals, mutual recognition of medical qualifications, and offering specialized training.

The leaders also exchanged views on regional and global issues, including the situation in Kashmir and Gaza, reiterating their shared commitment to the peaceful resolution of conflicts in line with relevant UNSC resolutions and the protection of human rights.

Prime Minister Sharif appreciated President Prabowo’s active diplomatic and humanitarian efforts in Gaza, including his role in pursuing ceasefire arrangements and delivering humanitarian assistance.

Both leaders appreciated the close and active cooperation between the two countries at multilateral fora, including the UN, OIC, and D-8.

The prime minister congratulated Indonesia on assuming the Chair of D-8 and assured the Indonesian president of Pakistan’s full support at this forum.

After the talks, the two leaders witnessed an exchange of Memoranda of Understanding and agreements between both sides in diverse fields.

The prime minister also hosted a luncheon in honour of the president and his accompanying delegation.

“The visit coincides with the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Indonesia, a historic milestone in the brotherly ties between the two nations,” it was added.