KEY POINTS
- Pakistan and Indonesia agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, health, education, defence, agriculture, and technology.
- Pakistan aims to increase exports of agricultural products and IT services to Indonesia.
- Pakistan will send medical professionals to Indonesia to help meet its healthcare needs.
- Pakistan PM, Indonesian President reaffirmed close coordination on foreign policy, including developments in Gaza.
- Seven MoUs were signed covering higher education, scholarships, SME development, narcotics control, Halal trade, and health cooperation.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Indonesia have agreed to strengthen cooperation across a wide range of areas, including trade, culture, health, education, and vocational training.
The understanding was reached during a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Islamabad on Tuesday, a PM House statement said.
During the talks, the two leaders reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations and reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening cooperation in all areas of mutual interest, including political and diplomatic engagement, economic and trade relations, defence and security, health, education, science and technology, agriculture, and environmental collaboration.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, cabinet ministers, and senior officials also attended the meeting.
Speaking at a joint press briefing afterwards, the Prime Minister reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with President Prabowo to achieve the goals set for enhanced collaboration.
He noted that while bilateral trade currently stands at 4.5 billion dollars—mostly in Indonesia’s favour—both sides discussed taking joint steps to create a better balance. Pakistan aims to do this by increasing its exports of agricultural products and IT services to Indonesia.
Pakistan to send medical professionals to Indonesia
Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan will also send doctors, dentists, medical professionals, and other specialists to Indonesia to help meet its healthcare needs.
The Prime Minister highlighted that Pakistan and Indonesia have enjoyed over seventy-five years of relations, noting that President Prabowo’s visit coincides with the anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties. He expressed Pakistan’s strong desire to mark this milestone in a meaningful way.
He also recalled Indonesia’s steadfast support for Pakistan during the 1965 war with a neighboring country, saying the Pakistani nation will always remember this solidarity.
Confident that the Indonesian President’s visit will elevate the two countries’ brotherly ties to new heights, Shehbaz Sharif emphasised their shared commitment to advancing peace and progress—not only for their own nations but for the entire region.
Rebalancing of bilateral trade
Speaking on the occasion, President of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto said both Pakistan and Indonesia agreed to expedite rebalancing of bilateral trade relations in practical terms.
He thanked Pakistan for what he called an exceptionally warm welcome, noting his aircraft had been escorted by Pakistan Air Force JF-17 fighter jets.
The Indonesian president also welcomed Pakistan’s offer to help his country address critical shortages of medical professionals.
“Indonesia has vast needs for doctors, dentists, and medical experts, and Pakistan’s support in this regard is strategic and critical,” he said.
He said we also look forward to further enhancing bilateral cooperation in the fields of education, agriculture, health, and other areas of mutual interest.
Subianto said both countries were also coordinating closely on foreign policy, particularly on developments in Gaza, and reaffirmed Indonesia’s support for a two-state solution.
The Indonesian President also invited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to visit Indonesia at mutually convenient dates.
MoUs signed to expand cooperation
Pakistan and Indonesia have also signed seven Memorandums of Understanding and agreements aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.
These MoUs and agreements cover cooperation in higher education, an Indonesian state scholarship grant program, support for business development in small and medium enterprises, collaboration between national archives, joint efforts in narcotics control and combating illicit drug trafficking, cooperation in Halal trade and certification, and partnership in the health sector.
