Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Tuesday pledged to strengthen ties between their countries, aiming to boost trade and expand cooperation in areas such as health, agriculture, information technology, science, and education.
They also agreed to coordinate more closely on regional and global challenges, including the situation in Palestine.
During a joint press briefing along with Indonesian President Prabowo Subiato at the Prime Minister’s House, PM Shehbaz emphasized the commitment of both nations to growing bilateral trade, which currently stands at $4.5 billion. He noted that more than 90 percent of this trade comes from Pakistan’s import of palm oil from Indonesia.
The prime minister said that the two sides discussed measures to address this imbalance, including enhancing Pakistan’s exports in agriculture, IT, and other sectors.
He also offered to send Pakistani doctors, dentists, medical professors, and health experts to support Indonesian hospitals and medical universities.
“We will do whatever is possible in this regard without delay,” he added.
PM Shehbaz reflected on the historic ties between the two countries, which extend over 75 years, even before Pakistan’s independence.
He recalled Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s support for Indonesia’s independence movement and highlighted Indonesia’s steadfast support during the 1965 war.
On global issues, he praised Indonesia’s stance on Gaza and called for international action to halt the ongoing bloodshed, expressing confidence that President Prabowo’s visit would elevate bilateral relations to new heights.
President Prabowo expressed gratitude for the warm reception, noting that his plane was escorted by Pakistan Air Force JF-17 Thunder jets.
He described the talks as productive, resulting in agreements across trade, education, agriculture, and science and technology. He highlighted the shared historic and fraternal ties, describing Islam as a moderate religion promoting inclusivity and tolerance.
Welcoming Pakistan’s offer of medical assistance, President Prabowo called it strategic and critical given Indonesia’s need for doctors and health experts, and said he had instructed Indonesian ministers to fast-track cooperation with Pakistan in multiple fields.
He also affirmed close coordination on foreign policy, particularly regarding Palestine and Gaza, reiterating support for a two-state solution.
Looking to the future, President Prabowo invited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to visit Indonesia to further deepen collaboration and strengthen the bond between the two nations.
Earlier, Pakistan and Indonesia inked a series of agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) designed to enhance cooperation across multiple sectors.
PM Shehbaz and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto attended the signing ceremony.
The agreements span a variety of areas, including initiatives in higher education, a scholarship grant program for Indonesian students, and support for the growth of small and medium-sized businesses.
They also include collaboration between national archives, joint efforts to curb illicit drug trafficking, cooperation in Halal trade and certification, and collaborative measures in the healthcare sector, reflecting a broad and multi-dimensional approach to strengthening bilateral relations.