NATIONAL NEWS
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Indonesia took a significant step toward deepening bilateral relations on Tuesday as President Prabowo Subianto arrived in Islamabad for his first official visit in seven years. The trip resulted in the signing of several important agreements covering education, trade, small and medium enterprises, halal certification, and archival collaboration.
A ceremonial welcome at PM House
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the Indonesian leader with full state protocol at the Prime Minister House, where a contingent of the armed forces presented a guard of honour. President Subianto also planted a commemorative sapling as part of the visit’s formal proceedings.
During his stay, the Indonesian president is expected to hold meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir. The agenda includes discussions on boosting trade and investment, enhancing defence and health cooperation, and expanding collaboration in information technology.
Extensive cooperation agreements signed
Both sides formalized a comprehensive set of MoUs and agreements aimed at long-term partnership. These included:
MoU on Higher Education Cooperation
MoU for the Development of Small and Medium Enterprises
MoU on the Exchange of Historical Documents and Archival Research
MoU on Halal Trade and Certification
Agreement on Indonesian Aid Scholarships for Pakistani students
Officials described the package as one of the broadest collaborative frameworks signed in recent years.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called the discussions “very positive and constructive,” highlighting shared interest in medical sciences, public health, and vocational education. He confirmed Pakistan’s decision to send medical professionals and technical experts to support Indonesia’s expanding healthcare requirements.
Shehbaz Sharif noted that Pakistan and Indonesia have enjoyed 75 years of strong relations built on mutual respect and common regional priorities. He also praised President Subianto as a “wise leader of Indonesia.”
Remarks from President Subianto
President Prabowo Subianto expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s hospitality, saying he was honoured by the ceremonial welcome and the JF-17 aerial salute. He underscored the “historic relations” between the two nations and reaffirmed cooperation in education, agriculture, technology, and trade.
He also confirmed that both countries exchanged multiple agreements and adopted a shared stance on the Gaza crisis, reflecting aligned humanitarian concerns.
A new chapter in Pakistan–Indonesia ties
Officials say the visit has laid a solid foundation for long-term collaboration in areas including trade, investment, medical research, defence, and IT. The agreements signed in Islamabad are expected to guide the next phase of bilateral engagement between the two countries.
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