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Pakistan, Indonesia agree to boost bilateral trade, expand cooperation in health, IT, education

By Staff Report
  • PM Shehbaz hails ‘extremely productive, gratifying’ talks with Indonesian president
  • PM Shehbaz, President Subianto Strengthen Pakistan-Indonesia Ties Across Trade, Health, Defence, and Education
  • Both leaders reaffirm boosting bilateral trade stands at $4.5 billion, with corrective measures to balance exports and imports
  • Premier highlights relations predate Pakistan’s independence, recalling Quaid-e-Azam backed Indonesia’s independence
  • Two leaders agree to coordinate on regional issues, including Palestine, climate resilience, and disaster management
  • Agreements signed in culture, IT, vocational training, science, and education sectors
  • Defence cooperation strengthened through joint training, capacity building, and military collaboration
  • President Subianto conferred Nishan-i-Pakistan by President Zardari for fostering bilateral friendship
  • Commitment made to celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations in Jakarta and Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Tuesday agreed to enhance bilateral trade, expand cooperation in health, agriculture, Information Technology (IT), science, and education, and deepen coordination on regional and global issues, including Palestine.

Describing the engagements as “extremely productive and gratifying,” PM Shehbaz emphasized the historic and enduring friendship between the two countries, which spans over 75 years.

In a joint press briefing at the Prime Minister’s House, PM Shehbaz noted that bilateral trade between Pakistan and Indonesia currently stands at $4.5 billion, with over 90% of it comprising palm oil imports from Indonesia. Both leaders discussed measures to balance trade, including increasing Pakistan’s exports in agriculture, IT-led initiatives, and other sectors.

The prime minister assured the Indonesian president that Pakistan would work closely with Indonesia to achieve these targets and accelerate mutually beneficial initiatives.

During a ceremony for signing several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), PM Shehbaz highlighted agreements to promote cooperation in culture, medical health, education, and vocational training, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to the “brotherly nation.”

He announced that Pakistani doctors, dentists, medical professors, and experts would assist Indonesia, which is currently establishing a large number of medical colleges and universities. “I assure you that whatever is possible for us in this regard, we will do it without any delay and with great pleasure,” the premier said.

Historic Relations and Shared Values

PM Shehbaz reflected on the long-standing ties between the two nations, noting that relations predate Pakistan’s independence. He recalled that Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah supported Indonesia’s independence movement while serving as president of the All India Muslim League. The prime minister also lauded Indonesia’s unwavering support during the 1965 war with India, calling it “a rock-solid stance that has gone into the annals of history in golden words and will be remembered by the people of Pakistan for all times to come.”

Highlighting Indonesia’s consistent support for Gaza and the Palestinian cause, PM Shehbaz expressed appreciation for its role in halting bloodshed in the region. “By the grace of God, bloodshed has stopped; however, Israel’s ceasefire violations continue. It is high time that we put our heads together to end this bloodshed once and for all,” he said.

<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet”><p lang=”zxx” dir=”ltr”><a href=”https://t.co/B0M7OBmfCs”>pic.twitter.com/B0M7OBmfCs</a></p>&mdash; Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) <a href=”https://twitter.com/GovtofPakistan/status/1998341928962728434?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>December 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src=”https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>

The premier expressed optimism that the Pakistan-Indonesia bond would continue to grow in strength, depth, and vision, noting that President Subianto’s visit would take bilateral relations to a “much higher level.” He stressed that both countries are committed to working together for progress and peace in the region.

Nishan-i-Pakistan Conferred on President Subianto

At a formal ceremony at the Aiwan-i-Sadr, President Asif Ali Zardari conferred the Nishan-i-Pakistan, Pakistan’s highest civil award, on President Subianto. The investiture ceremony was attended by Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, air force and navy chiefs, federal cabinet members, and other dignitaries.

During their bilateral meeting, Presidents Zardari and Subianto discussed historic ties, shared values, and the long-standing foundations laid by Quaid-e-Azam Jinnah and then-Indonesian President Sukarno. Both leaders emphasized that Pakistan-Indonesia relations rest on shared values, goodwill, and mutual cooperation for peace, stability, and prosperity. They also highlighted the need for collaboration on climate resilience, disaster management, and sustainable development, given the similar challenges faced by both countries.

The two presidents agreed on strengthening economic cooperation, particularly in renewable energy and tourism, and stressed the importance of balanced market access to diversify Pakistan’s exports. The establishment of a Joint Trade Committee was welcomed as a forum to resolve trade issues and encourage business linkages. They also reaffirmed cooperation in defence, including joint training and production, and underscored their shared commitment to addressing Islamophobia and promoting Muslim unity.

President Zardari expressed condolences for the victims of floods in Sumatra, Indonesia, and briefed President Subianto on developments in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Both leaders stressed the importance of continued coordination to ensure regional peace and security.

President Subianto Hails Historic Brotherhood

President Subianto, in his address, expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s warm reception. He thanked PM Shehbaz and President Zardari for hosting him personally, noting that the meetings were “very productive,” resulting in agreements across multiple sectors and discussions on matters of mutual interest.

“We have common values and common interests; we are among the largest Muslim-majority countries, and our Islam is moderate, promoting inclusivity and tolerance,” he said. President Subianto described the historic and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Indonesia as “solid” and stressed the need to leverage this strategic bond for mutual benefit in the coming years.

He highlighted Pakistan’s support in healthcare, welcoming the assistance of Pakistani doctors, dentists, and medical educators in building Indonesia’s medical education infrastructure. “We have a vast need for medical professionals and are starting a massive education program. Your support will be strategic and critical,” he said.

The Indonesian president also discussed the rebalancing of bilateral trade, assuring the prime minister that both countries would act swiftly to diversify exports and expand cooperation in practical terms. He emphasized that Pakistan and Indonesia would coordinate on foreign policy, maintaining a common stance on Palestine, including unwavering support for a two-state solution.

President Subianto concluded by inviting PM Shehbaz and other Pakistani leaders to officially visit Indonesia, aiming to explore further avenues of cooperation and shared development.

Engagement with Pakistan Armed Forces

President Subianto also met Field Marshal Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff, to discuss regional security, bilateral defence cooperation, and mutual interests. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen military-to-military ties, including training, counter-terrorism, and capacity-building programs.

The Indonesian president acknowledged the professionalism of Pakistan’s armed forces and appreciated Pakistan’s role in promoting regional peace and stability. Field Marshal Munir reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to defence collaboration, emphasizing shared responsibility in maintaining security in the region.

Guard of honour at Prime Minister’s House

President Subianto received a guard of honour upon arrival at the Prime Minister’s House. According to official statements, this was the first visit by an Indonesian president since 2018, adding significance as it coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Indonesia.

PM Shehbaz had earlier welcomed the visit on social media, emphasizing the importance of “meaningful engagements” to strengthen the enduring partnership.

During his stay, President Subianto also met President Zardari, with senior military and government officials accompanying both leaders. The visit marked a milestone in Pakistan-Indonesia relations, highlighting cooperation in trade, defence, healthcare, education, culture, and regional stability, setting the stage for deeper engagement in the coming years.

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