Pakistan, Indonesia Vows Stronger Strategic Partnership During President Prabowo Subianto’s First State Visit in Seven Years

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan has affirmed that President Prabowo Subianto’s state visit to the Pakistani capital of Islamabad has strengthened bilateral ties and opened new opportunities for strategic cooperation between the two countries.

The Prime Minister made the statement during a joint press conference following the bilateral meeting between the two leaders at the Prime Minister’s official residence, Tuesday (12/9)​.

In his remarks, the Pakistani Prime Minister also expressed his honor at President Prabowo Subianto’s presence in Pakistan and referred to Indonesia as a friendly nation with long-standing historical ties with Pakistan.

He also stated that it was a great honor to once again welcome the President on behalf of the people and Government of Pakistan and himself personally, noting that this is the first visit by an Indonesian President in the last seven years and that Pakistan is the President’s second home.​

PM Sharif also underlined that Pakistan’s welcome, including the escort of the Indonesian presidential aircraft by Pakistan Air Force fighter jets, was a sincere gesture and not merely a matter of protocol.

He also underscored that the escort was neither a form of assistance nor a routine procedure, but stemmed from heartfelt sincerity in receiving a remarkable leader from the world’s largest Muslim-majority country.​

The Prime Minister described his meeting with the Indonesian President as highly productive and produced several important understandings to further enhance bilateral cooperation, adding that Pakistan is ready to collaborate with Indonesia to help balance the current trade volume, which has reached US$4.5 billion.​

“We discussed how to take corrective measures to balance this trade volume through agricultural exports from Pakistan, through information technology–driven export initiatives, and of course in many other areas,” PM Sharif stated, emphasizing Pakistan’s readiness to explore concrete steps in these sectors to ensure more mutually beneficial economic relations.​

The Prime Minister also conveyed his country’s readiness to deploy medical personnel to support the development of higher education institutions and health facilities in Indonesia, stressing that Pakistan will implement any feasible form of support in this regard without delay and with great willingness.​

PM Sharif highlighted that President Prabowo Subianto’s visit coincides with the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Pakistan. He also recalled the long history of solidarity between the two nations, including Pakistan’s support for Indonesia’s struggle for independence and Indonesia’s support for Pakistan.​

“Indonesia has stood firmly with Pakistan and this has been recorded in history in golden words and will be remembered by the people of Pakistan forever,” he said, adding that Indonesia conferred the Adipurna decoration on Pakistan’s founding father Muhammad Ali Jinnah in 1995, symbolizing the depth of friendship between the two nations.​

PM Sharif further praised President Prabowo Subianto’s initiatives in promoting global humanitarian issues on the international stage.

Concluding his remarks, PM Sharif expressed his strong belief that relations between Indonesia and Pakistan will continue to grow.

“Your Excellency’s visit today will elevate both countries relations to a much higher level. We will work together for progress and peace, not only for both countries but also for the region,” he remarked. (BPMI) (EST/EP)