Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday described his meeting with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto as “extremely productive and gratifying,” with both leaders committing to significantly expand bilateral cooperation and trade.
Speaking at a ceremony marking the signing of several MoUs between Pakistan and Indonesia, PM Shehbaz emphasized the shared resolve to boost collaboration across trade, culture, medical education, vocational training, and technology-led sectors.
Strengthening Trade Ties
The prime minister highlighted that current bilateral trade stands at $4.5 billion, largely dominated by palm oil imports. He said both sides discussed ways to diversify and balance trade, including expanding IT exports, agricultural products, and new commercial opportunities.
PM Shehbaz noted that Pakistan would work closely with Indonesia to achieve these targets without delay.
Health Sector Collaboration
A major milestone was the agreement that Pakistan will send doctors, dentists, medical professors, and specialists to Indonesia as it expands its medical education infrastructure.
The premier assured President Subianto that Pakistan would provide full support, adding that Indonesia’s new medical institutions represent an excellent avenue for cooperation.
A Historic Bond
PM Shehbaz highlighted that the visit coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. He proposed joint celebrations in Jakarta and Islamabad.
He also recalled the historic ties predating independence, including Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s support for Indonesia’s struggle for freedom and Indonesia’s strong support for Pakistan in the 1965 war.
Shared Stance on Gaza
The prime minister praised Indonesia’s “unwavering stand” on Gaza and emphasized the need for global cooperation to end the ongoing violence. He condemned continued ceasefire violations and underscored the urgency of sustainable peace.
President Subianto’s Remarks
President Prabowo expressed deep appreciation for the warm welcome and acknowledged the “historic brotherly relations” between the two nations.
He called Pakistan and Indonesia two of the world’s largest Muslim-majority countries promoting moderate, inclusive, and tolerant Islam.
The Indonesian president welcomed Pakistan’s support in strengthening his country’s health sector, calling the assistance “strategic and critical.”
Foreign Policy Alignment
President Subianto stressed that Indonesia and Pakistan share common principles—particularly regarding Palestine—and confirmed close coordination between their foreign ministries.
He reaffirmed unwavering support for a two-state solution.
Looking Ahead
Expressing optimism about future cooperation, President Subianto signaled an eagerness to accelerate trade rebalancing efforts and invited PM Shehbaz to visit Indonesia soon.
During his two-day official trip, President Subianto also received a formal guard of honour and is scheduled to meet President Asif Ali Zardari and the military leadership, including COAS Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.
The visit carries added significance as the first Indonesian presidential visit to Pakistan since 2018 and marks an important step toward a stronger, more diversified Pakistan-Indonesia partnership.
