Pakistan and Indonesia have decided to promote their relations in diverse fields including trade, culture, health, education and vocational training. The understanding to this effect came at a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Islamabad. Later addressing a joint press stakeout, the Prime Minister assured to work collectively with the Indonesian President to achieve the targets set for collaboration in different fields. 

Referring to the bilateral trade of 4.5 billion dollars which is largely in favour of Indonesia, the Prime Minister said the two sides have discussed to take collective measures to balance the trade through exports of agriculture products and IT services from Pakistan. Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan will also send its doctors, dentists, medical professionals and other related experts to Indonesia to fulfill its requirements in the field of medicine. The Prime Minister noted that our relations span over seventy five years with the visit of the Indonesian President coinciding with the anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations.

He expressed Pakistan's strong desire to celebrate this occasion in a befitting manner. The Prime Minister recalled that Indonesia stood by Pakistan like a rock wall in our 1965 war with a neighbouring country. He said this will be remembered by the people of Pakistan for all times to come. Shehbaz Sharif was confident that the visit of the Indonesian President will take the brotherly relations to a much higher level.

He emphasized that they will work together to promote progress and peace, not only for their own countries but for the entire region. Speaking on the occasion, President of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto said both Pakistan and Indonesia agreed to expedite rebalancing of bilateral trade relations in practical terms. He said we also look forward to further enhancing bilateral cooperation in the fields of education, agriculture, health and other areas of mutual interest. 

He thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the government of Pakistan for expressing willingness to send doctors, dentists, medical professionals and other related experts to Indonesia to fulfill its requirements in the field of health. The Indonesian President said both the countries are coordinating in the field of foreign policy as well particularly having shared stance on Palestine.

He supported the two state solution of the Palestine issue saying that both Pakistan and Indonesia will always maintain common stance in this regard. The President of Indonesia expressed his gratitude to the government and people of Pakistan for extending warm reception and gracious hospitality during his visit. He said it is an honour for him that PAF fighter jets including JF-17 Thunder escorted his plane.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)