Islamabad (TDI): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday described his discussions with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto as “highly rewarding and constructive,” noting that both sides agreed to widen cooperation in several areas, especially trade.
Speaking at a joint press briefing alongside President Prabowo, the prime minister said the two had resolved to deepen collaboration in commerce, culture, healthcare, education and vocational training. He emphasized that Pakistan intended to work closely with Indonesia to translate these commitments into action.
PM Shehbaz pointed out that current bilateral trade stood at around $4.5 billion, the bulk of which comprised palm oil imports from Indonesia. He added that both sides reviewed ways to reduce the widening trade gap through Pakistani agricultural exports and IT-driven initiatives, saying there were “multiple avenues” through which this imbalance could be addressed.
The premier also revealed that Pakistan and Indonesia had agreed on a framework to send Pakistani doctors, dentists and other medical professionals to work in Indonesia. He assured that Islamabad would move swiftly to facilitate this arrangement.
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Expressing warm sentiments for what he termed a “brotherly nation,” the prime minister highlighted that President Subianto’s trip coincided with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. He proposed that both capitals celebrate the milestone simultaneously to demonstrate the strength of the partnership.
PM Shehbaz reminded that the relationship between the two nations long predates their emergence as independent states. He recalled that Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah had supported Indonesia’s independence struggle during his tenure as president of the All India Muslim League, praising the resilience and courage of the Indonesian people.
President Subianto, on a two-day official visit, received a formal welcome at the Prime Minister’s House earlier in the day, where he was presented a guard of honour by a contingent of the armed forces. He arrived in Islamabad on Monday at the invitation of the Pakistani premier.
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The visit is expected to witness the signing of several memoranda of understanding, with both countries set to advance cooperation in trade, investment, defense, health, information technology, climate initiatives, education and culture. Discussions will also cover enhancing coordination at regional and global forums.
This is President Subianto’s first trip to Pakistan, and the first visit by an Indonesian head of state since 2018, when former president Joko Widodo toured the country. During his stay, President Subianto will also meet President Asif Ali Zardari. Additionally, he is scheduled to hold a meeting with Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.
