PM Shehbaz, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto Hold ‘Extremely Productive’ Talks, Pledge Closer Cooperation

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday described his meeting with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto as “extremely productive and gratifying,” as both leaders pledged to expand bilateral cooperation in trade, health, education, vocational training, and other sectors.

The remarks came during a ceremony marking the signing of multiple memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between Pakistan and Indonesia. PM Shehbaz highlighted the current bilateral trade of $4.5 billion, largely dominated by palm oil imports, and emphasized measures to balance trade through agricultural exports and IT-led initiatives.

The premier also announced agreements to send Pakistani doctors, dentists, and medical professors to assist Indonesia, which is establishing new medical colleges and universities. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to working closely with Indonesia and called for celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations in both Islamabad and Jakarta.

PM Shehbaz recalled historical ties, noting Indonesia’s support during Pakistan’s 1965 war and its contributions to regional peace, including its stance on Gaza. He stressed that the bilateral bond would continue to grow in strength, depth, and vision.

Nishan-i-Pakistan Awarded to Indonesian President

President Asif Ali Zardari conferred Pakistan’s highest civil award, the Nishan-i-Pakistan, on President Subianto at Aiwan-i-Sadr. The ceremony was attended by top military officials, federal cabinet members, and dignitaries. The two presidents discussed historic ties, shared values, climate resilience, disaster management, sustainable development, and economic cooperation, including renewable energy and tourism. They also agreed to strengthen defence cooperation and address issues like Islamophobia and Muslim unity.

President Subianto’s Remarks

President Subianto praised Pakistan’s warm reception and termed the discussions highly productive. He highlighted common values and interests, describing both nations as leading Muslim countries practicing moderate Islam. He welcomed Pakistan’s assistance in health sector development and pledged to expedite trade rebalancing and coordination on foreign policy, particularly regarding Palestine and the two-state solution.

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Meeting with Pakistan Armed Forces

President Subianto also met Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. The discussions focused on regional security, bilateral defence cooperation, and joint training. The Indonesian president lauded the professionalism of Pakistan’s armed forces and acknowledged Pakistan’s role in promoting regional peace and stability.

Official Welcome

President Subianto, on a two-day official visit, was received with a formal guard of honour at the Prime Minister’s House. This marks his first visit to Pakistan, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the last presidential visit having been by ex-President Joko Widodo in 2018.

The visit underscores Pakistan’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties with Indonesia across economic, defence, health, and cultural sectors.