President Jokowi Meets Pakistani PM to Discuss Economic Issues, Palestine

President Jokowi attends a bilateral meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi at the office of Pakistani Prime Minister, Saturday (27/1). (Photo by: Bureau of Press and Media)

Indonesia – Pakistan friendship is not a new friendship; in fact, friendship between the two countries has been made for years, said President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo.

“Our two countries became the initiators of Asian African Conference. Our two countries are also consistent in helping the struggle of Palestine in various forums. I believe that this shared vision can be developed into cooperation in various sectors,” the President said during a bilateral talk with Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid on Saturday (27/1).

President Jokowi also believes that his working visit to Pakistan will further strengthen cooperation and friendship of both countries.

The President’s visit to Pakistan focuses on three main bilateral issues, namely economic cooperation, people-to-people relations, and cooperation to support Palestine. The total trade volume between the two countries after the implementation of the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) has significantly increased since 2013 as in 2016 the trade volume reached USD2.1 billion, or grows by around 8.9% per year.

The President added that talks in other sectors such as services and investment could begin after agreement in good sector is implemented. Therefore, in an effort to boost trade, the President welcomes the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Promoting Joint Trades.

“In the investment sector, I welcome the establishment of Joint Venture on the storing and processing of palm oil in Port of Qosim, Karachi.  This cooperation will make Pakistan the center of palm oil trade and it processed products in South Asia and Central Asia,” the President said, adding that he welcomes the signing of Inter Governmental Agreement by Energy Ministers of both countries.

Indonesia will export LNG to Pakistan for 10 years, with the option of additional 5 years that consist of 1.5 million ton per year. “Indonesia also hopes to strengthen cooperation in energy sector in the future such as the possibility of investment done by Indonesian companies to build LNG regasification facilities, and sharing of experiences and expertise in the use of environmentally-friendly energy,” the President said.

For the record, during a business meeting done on 26 January, transaction values gained amounted to USD115 million, including increase in trade of palm oil, coal, cocoa, coffee, tea, and others.

Another issue discussed during the meeting was the strengthening of people-to-people relations between the two countries, including efforts to promote tourism and business world in the two countries. Both leaders agreed that relations between business world of the two countries must be further strengthened.

Furthermore, President Jokowi called on joint supports for Palestine. Therefore, President Jokowi reminded that wherever the two leaders undertake state visit, lobbies to win support for the independence of Palestine must be done for the sake of humanity and justice.

Also attending the event were First Lady Ibu Iriana, Coordinating Minister for the Economy Darmin Nasution, Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, Minister of Trade Enggartiasto Lukita, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Ignasius Jonan, Coordinator of Presidential Special Staff Teten Masduki and Indonesian Ambassador to Pakistan Iwan Suyudhie Amri. (BPMI/RAH/EN) (EP/YM/Naster)