ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Air Force fighter jets on Monday escorted Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s aircraft as it entered Pakistani airspace, offering an aerial salute as a gesture of goodwill and reflecting the close relations between Pakistan and Indonesia.
According to officials, six JF-17 fighter aircraft of the Pakistan Air Force accompanied the Indonesian president’s plane upon its entry into Pakistan, providing a ceremonial aerial welcome.
The fighter jets surrounded the presidential aircraft in a coordinated formation, welcoming President Prabowo Subianto in a unique and dignified manner in line with Pakistan’s traditions of honouring visiting leaders from friendly countries.
The Indonesian president expressed appreciation to the Pakistan Air Force, the country’s leadership, and the people of Pakistan for the warm reception.
Officials said the aerial salute symbolised the brotherly relations, mutual respect, and longstanding friendship between Pakistan and Indonesia.
They added that extending aerial greetings to leaders of brotherly nations upon entry into Pakistan’s airspace reflects Pakistan’s commitment to goodwill, cooperation, and strong diplomatic ties.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subiantoon arrived in Islamabad for a two-day visit, during which discussions are expected to focus on expanding cooperation in areas including trade, defence, investment, health, and education.
Indonesian president due in Pakistan on Monday for two-day visit
President Subianto was welcomed at Nur Khan Airbase by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari, in a colourful ceremony with children presenting flowers and a 21-gun salute in his honour.
In a statement on X, Prime Minister Sharif expressed his pleasure at hosting President Subianto, emphasising the long-standing cultural ties and shared history between the two nations. “We look forward to meaningful engagements to further strengthen this enduring partnership,” he said.
Accompanied by a high-level delegation, President Subianto’s visit comes at a pivotal moment as Pakistan and Indonesia mark 75 years of diplomatic relations.
The two sides will hold discussions on expanding bilateral ties, with a focus on trade, defence, technology, climate change, health, and education. Several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) are expected to be signed, further solidifying the partnership.
This is the first visit of an Indonesian president to Pakistan since 2018, underscoring its significance in fostering stronger political, economic, and defence ties. In addition to meeting with Prime Minister Sharif and President Zardari, President Subianto is scheduled to engage with Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, focusing on expanding defence cooperation.
Economic ties between the two countries have been growing rapidly, with bilateral trade rising sharply to $4.7 billion in the 2024-25 financial year, up from USD3.36 billion the previous year.
This growth reflects the deepening commercial relationship and paves the way for even closer economic integration.
Pakistan’s exports to Indonesia include cotton fabrics, cereals, and agricultural commodities, while Indonesia remains a major supplier of palm oil and coal to Pakistan.
Since the 2013 Indonesia-Pakistan Preferential Trade Agreement (IP-PTA), trade has grown, and both governments are now negotiating to upgrade it to a full Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to boost sectors like agriculture, energy, and industry.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025