Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Pakistan on two-day official visit

Islamabad (Web Desk): President Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia arrived in Pakistan on Monday, greeted with a ceremonial red-carpet welcome for a two-day official visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

At Nur Khan Airbase, he was warmly received by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, alongside members of the cabinet and senior officials.

A disciplined contingent of the Presidential Bodyguard saluted the visiting dignitary as he stepped out, accompanied by a high-level delegation of ministers and top officials from Indonesia.

Two children, clad in traditional clothing, presented floral bouquets to President Prabowo as a 21-gun salute echoed in the background. Alongside the red carpet, groups of children waved the national flags of both Pakistan and Indonesia, creating a lively and colorful welcome.

The streets and main intersections of Islamabad were decorated with the flags of both nations and portraits of the Indonesian president, underscoring the visit’s importance.

This marks President Prabowo’s first journey to Pakistan since taking office, following the last visit by Indonesian President Joko Widodo in 2018.

During his stay, President Prabowo will engage in delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz and meet President Zardari.

He will also be received by the Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. Several Memoranda of Understanding are expected to be signed during the visit.

The timing of the trip is notable, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Pakistan and Indonesia.

The discussions are set to cover a wide-ranging agenda, including trade, investment, defence, health, information technology, climate initiatives, education, and cultural cooperation, while exploring opportunities to enhance collaboration at regional and international levels.