President Prabowo Welcomed by Prime Minister Shehbaz

President Prabowo Subianto welcomed by PM Shehbaz Sharif, on Tuesday (12/9). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/Laily Rachev)

President Prabowo Subianto received a state welcome at the official residence of Prime Minister (PM) of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad on Tuesday (12/9). The welcoming ceremony marked the beginning of President Prabowo’s state visit to Pakistan, which unfolded in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

President Prabowo arrived at the Prime Minister’s official residence and was greeted directly by PM Shehbaz Sharif. The two leaders shook hands firmly and embraced warmly, reflecting the close partnership between the two nations.

Their friendly exchange was followed by a photo session in which both leaders stood side by side before the flags of Indonesia and Pakistan. After the photo session, President Prabowo and PM Shehbaz walked together toward the saluting dais to begin the state welcoming ceremony.

The ceremony began with the playing of Indonesia’s national anthem Indonesia Raya, followed by Pakistan’s national anthem. President Prabowo then inspected the guard of honor. Accompanied by the parade commander, the President reviewed the formation of soldiers standing in neat rows in tribute to the visiting head of state.

The ceremony continued with the introduction of delegations from both countries. The Indonesian delegation included Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono, Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Air Force Air Chief Marshal M. Tonny Harjono, and Indonesian Ambassador to Pakistan Chandra Warsenanto.

Following the delegation introduction, President Prabowo carried out a ceremonial planting of a Chir Pine (Pinus roxburghii) tree in the garden of the Prime Minister’s residence. The planting symbolized the hope for stronger and more sustainable Indonesia–Pakistan cooperation.

After the welcoming ceremony, President Prabowo and PM Shehbaz entered the Prime Minister’s office for a tête-à-tête meeting. During the discussion, the two leaders explored ways to strengthen strategic cooperation across various sectors.

The meeting was followed by a bilateral session attended by both delegations. The series of discussions concluded with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between agencies of both countries, affirming their commitment to deepen bilateral ties.

President Prabowo and PM Shehbaz then delivered a joint press statement, restating their shared resolve to advance Indonesia–Pakistan relations in various strategic areas. The official agenda concluded with a state luncheon hosted by PM Shehbaz Sharif, which took place in a warm atmosphere, reflecting the longstanding friendship between the two nations.
(BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (RD/MMB)