Pakistan and Indonesia signed multiple memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and agreements to strengthen bilateral cooperation across various sectors during a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. The agreements cover a broad range of areas, including trade, culture, health, education, and vocational training.Speaking at a joint press stakeout, Prime Minister Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to working closely with Indonesia to achieve the shared goals outlined in the agreements.
Highlighting the current bilateral trade volume of $4.5 billion, he said both sides discussed steps to balance trade, particularly by boosting Pakistan’s exports of agricultural products and IT services.
PM Shehbaz added that Pakistan will send doctors, dentists, medical professionals, and other experts to Indonesia to help address its healthcare needs. The prime minister noted that Pakistan and Indonesia share over seventy-five years of diplomatic relations, with President Subianto’s visit coinciding with this milestone. He said Pakistan is eager to commemorate the anniversary in a meaningful way. He also recalled Indonesia’s unwavering support for Pakistan during the 1965 war, a gesture he said remains deeply valued by the Pakistani people.
Expressing optimism, PM Shehbaz said President Subianto’s visit would elevate the brotherly ties between the two nations and reinforce their joint commitment to peace and progress in the region.
Separately, after the MoU signing ceremony, President Subianto met Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The meeting focused on mutual interests, regional security, and defence cooperation. Both sides reiterated their commitment to further strengthening military-to-military ties.
The Indonesian president praised the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces and acknowledged Pakistan’s contributions to regional peace and stability. Field Marshal Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to expand defence collaboration, particularly in training, counter-terrorism, and capacity building.
Earlier, President Subianto received a warm welcome at the Prime Minister’s House, where he was presented with a guard of honour. The national anthems of both countries were played as the leaders stood at the saluting dais, and a contingent from the three armed services presented the guard of honour.
The visiting president also planted a commemorative sapling at the PM House. The two leaders later introduced their delegations before holding a one-on-one meeting, followed by delegation-level talks.This marks President Prabowo Subianto’s first visit to Pakistan since taking office, and the first presidential visit from Indonesia since former President Joko Widodo’s trip in 2018.
