Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday termed his meeting with the Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto “extremely productive and gratifying”, as the two pledged to expand bilateral trade ties.
Addressing a joint press conference with the Indonesian president, he recalled the pair’s meeting and said, “What we have decided is ..to promote our bilateral trade, culture, interact in the medical health, education, and vocational training.”
He vowed to “work closely” with Indonesia to achieve the decided targets.
The premier noted that Pakistan’s current bilateral trade with Indonesia stood at $4.5 billion, out of which more than 90 per cent were palm oil imports.
“We have discussed how to take corrective measures to balance this balance of trade through agricultural exports from Pakistan through IT-led initiatives,” adding that the “trade gap” can be filled in many other areas as well.
President Subianto, who is currently on a two-day official visit to Pakistan, was earlier presented a guard of honour upon his arrival at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad.
According to Radio Pakistan, a formal welcome ceremony was held for Subianto, who was received by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
“A smartly turned out contingent of armed forces presented a guard of honour to the visiting dignitary,” it said.
The Indonesian president arrived in Islamabad yesterday at the invitation of PM Shehbaz.
In a post on X, the premier had said he was honoured to host President Subianto and looking forward to “our meaningful engagements tomorrow as we work to strengthen this enduring partnership”.
Pakistan and Indonesia will also sign several memoranda of understanding during the visit. Talks are expected to cover advancing bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, defence, health, IT, climate, education and culture, as well as enhancing collaboration at regional and global levels.
According to the Foreign Office (FO), this is the president’s first visit to Pakistan, as the last presidential visit was by ex-president Joko Widodo in 2018. The FO also said that the visit carried added significance as it coincided with the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Indonesia.
President Prabowo will also meet President Asif Ali Zardari during his stay. Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir will also call on the Indonesian president, the FO said.
