President Subianto awarded Nishan-e-Pakistan as countries broaden strategic ties

Pakistan and Indonesia agreed to expand cooperation across defence, trade, investment, and education during a two-day official visit by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, according to a joint statement issued on Tuesday.

President Prabowo visited Pakistan from Dec. 8-9 at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He held delegation-level talks with the prime minister and met President Asif Ali Zardari.

Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces Syed Asim Munir also called on the visiting leader. During the trip, Prabowo was awarded the Nishan-e-Pakistan, the country’s highest civilian honour.

The visit marked the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties, with both countries expressing a commitment to strengthening cooperation across political, economic, security, and cultural areas.

The two sides reviewed the full spectrum of relations and agreed to enhance high-level exchanges and make better use of existing dialogue mechanisms. They also underscored plans to strengthen inter-parliamentary contacts.

Pakistan, Indonesia pledge boost in trade, cooperation across key sectors

On trade, both countries noted that bilateral commerce has exceeded 4 billion dollars, but said more potential remains. They agreed to convene a meeting of the Joint Negotiations Committee soon to upgrade the current Preferential Trade Agreement to a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement by 2027.

Both sides highlighted traditional trade items such as palm oil, surgical instruments, and pharmaceutical products, while agreeing to explore cooperation in services including information technology, cyber-security, and fintech. They also noted opportunities in halal food and Islamic finance.

Pakistan and Indonesia also agreed to explore ways to boost mutual investment, including cooperation between Pakistan’s Special Investment Facilitation Council and Indonesia’s sovereign wealth fund Danantara. Priority sectors identified included agriculture, IT, mining, infrastructure, digital connectivity, tourism, and energy.

President of Indonesia receives guard of honour at Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad

The statement said both countries would enhance defence cooperation through more frequent military exchanges, defence industry collaboration, and specialized training. Jakarta welcomed ongoing defence education ties and agreed to expand cooperation in maritime and aviation training.

The two countries pledged to work together against transnational security threats, including terrorism, violent extremism, and narcotics trafficking, in line with international law.

They also agreed to enhance cooperation in health, including digital health, vaccines, emergency preparedness, women’s and children’s health, and pharmaceutical production, subject to domestic regulations.

Both sides committed to deepening collaboration on climate resilience and disaster management and agreed to expand cooperation in tourism, academic exchanges, technical training, and library and archival management.

Pakistan briefed the Indonesian side on developments related to the Jammu and Kashmir issue. The two countries stressed the importance of peace and dialogue to resolve outstanding matters.

The leaders also expressed deep concern over the situation in Palestine and reaffirmed support for a two-state solution in line with UN resolutions. They welcomed the Gaza Peace Plan and ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Pakistan reiterated its interest in deeper engagement with ASEAN, while Indonesia encouraged continued participation in ASEAN-led mechanisms.

During the visit, both sides signed several agreements and memoranda, including cooperation on higher education recognition, small and medium business facilitation, narcotics control, health, halal certification, archival cooperation and library management. Indonesia also announced a grant programme for Indonesian Aid Scholarships.

President Prabowo thanked the Pakistani leadership for the hospitality extended during his visit.