ISLAMABAD (Staff Reporter)
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Indonesian President Joko Widodo reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Indonesia in economic and trade relations, defense, security, health, education, science and technology, agriculture, and environmental sectors. The leaders also agreed to review the Indonesia-Pakistan Preferential Trade Agreement (IP-PTA) to increase the bilateral trade volume, currently valued at around $4 billion.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, President Widodo was warmly received at the Prime Minister House in Islamabad with a Guard of Honor. The meeting included high-level delegations, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, federal ministers, and senior officials.
During the discussions, both leaders reviewed all aspects of bilateral relations and emphasized enhancing cooperation across political, diplomatic, economic, trade, defense, security, health, education, science and technology, agriculture, and environmental sectors. They also agreed to address trade imbalances and promote collaboration in the halal industry, agricultural trade, information technology, technical and vocational education, and other areas.
The leaders underscored the importance of strengthening investment cooperation through the Special Investment Facilitation Council and Indonesia’s sovereign wealth fund to encourage joint projects and investment across multiple sectors. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded President Widodo’s public welfare initiatives, including Indonesia’s free nutritious meal program, and highlighted opportunities to enhance health sector collaboration through medical expert exchanges, mutual recognition of qualifications, and specialized training programs.
Both leaders discussed regional and global issues, including the situations in Kashmir and Gaza, reaffirming their commitment to peaceful resolution of conflicts in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions and human rights protections. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also appreciated President Widodo’s diplomatic and humanitarian efforts in Gaza, particularly his role in advancing ceasefire arrangements and delivering aid.
The discussions highlighted close cooperation on multilateral platforms such as the United Nations, OIC, and D-8. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Indonesia on assuming the leadership of the D-8 forum and assured full support from Pakistan.
The visit included the formal exchange of agreements and memorandums of understanding to strengthen cooperation in multiple sectors, as well as a luncheon hosted in honor of President Widodo and his delegation. This visit coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Indonesia, marking a historic milestone in their brotherly ties.