ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Indonesia have taken a major step toward strengthening their long-standing bilateral ties by signing seven key Memorandums of Understanding and Agreements in Islamabad on Tuesday.
These agreements cover a wide range of areas, including higher education, health, Halal trade, business development for small and medium enterprises, national archives cooperation, and joint efforts to combat narcotics and illicit drug trafficking. The newly signed accords are expected to boost collaboration between the two nations and help advance shared development goals.
The agreements were finalized during Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s two-day official visit to Pakistan, where he met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and top civil and military leadership. Both leaders expressed their commitment to deepening cooperation in trade, culture, defence, health, education and vocational training. President Subianto’s visit holds additional importance as it coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the need to rebalance the current bilateral trade, which stands at 4.5 billion dollars and is heavily tilted in Indonesia’s favor. He said Pakistan plans to expand its exports of agricultural products and IT services to create a more mutually beneficial trade partnership. He also announced Pakistan’s readiness to send doctors, dentists and medical professionals to Indonesia to help meet its healthcare needs.
In a separate meeting with Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff, President Subianto discussed defence cooperation and regional security. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening ties between the armed forces of Pakistan and Indonesia. The Indonesian president appreciated the professionalism of the Pakistan Army and acknowledged Pakistan’s role in supporting regional peace. Field Marshal Munir expressed Pakistan’s desire to expand cooperation in counter-terrorism, training and capacity-building.
Speaking at a joint press briefing, President Subianto said both countries agreed to speed up practical measures to rebalance trade and deepen cooperation in health, agriculture and education. He also highlighted the shared stance of Pakistan and Indonesia on key global issues, including strong support for a two-state solution for Palestine.
President Subianto received a warm welcome upon arrival, marked by a red-carpet ceremony and an escort of PAF fighter jets, including the JF-17 Thunder. He also planted a commemorative tree at the Prime Minister’s House. The Indonesian leader invited Prime Minister Shehbaz to visit Indonesia soon, marking a renewed chapter of friendship between the two nations as they aim to expand cooperation across multiple sectors in the coming years.
