Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received the President of the Republic of Indonesia, H.E. Prabowo Subianto, at the Prime Minister House on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone in Pakistan-Indonesia relations on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
President Subianto was accorded a guard of honour upon arrival. The two leaders held a tªte- -tªte meeting, followed by delegation-level talks attended by 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.
During the discussions, the leaders reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations and reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthen cooperation across political, diplomatic, economic, trade, defense, security, health, education, science and technology, agriculture, and environmental sectors. Both sides expressed the intent to elevate historic bilateral ties into a forward-looking and dynamic partnership.
Prime Minister Sharif and President Subianto highlighted the upward trajectory of bilateral trade, currently valued at approximately USD 4 billion, and agreed to review the Indonesia-Pakistan Preferential Trade Agreement (IP-PTA) to expand trade volume and address the trade imbalance. Key areas for enhanced collaboration include the halal industry, agricultural commodities, information technology, and technical and vocational education.
Both sides also pledged to boost investment and joint ventures through strengthened cooperation between Pakistan's Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and Indonesia's Sovereign Wealth Fund (Danantara). The Prime Minister appreciated President Subianto's welfare-oriented initiatives, including the 'Free Nutritious Meal Program,' and discussed ways to enhance health sector cooperation through exchanges of medical professionals, mutual recognition of qualifications, and specialized training.
Regional and global issues were also addressed, including the situations in Kashmir and Gaza. Both leaders emphasized their commitment to peaceful conflict resolution in line with UN Security Council resolutions and protection of human rights. Prime Minister Sharif commended President Subianto's diplomatic and humanitarian efforts in Gaza, including ceasefire arrangements and the delivery of humanitarian assistance.
The leaders underscored Pakistan and Indonesia's active collaboration at multilateral forums such as the UN, OIC, and D-8. Prime Minister Sharif congratulated Indonesia on assuming the Chair of D-8 and assured full Pakistani support at this forum.
The visit concluded with an exchange of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements in diverse sectors, followed by a luncheon hosted by the Prime Minister in honour of the Indonesian President and his delegation.