Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday termed his meeting with the Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto “extremely productive and gratifying”, as the two pledged to expand bilateral trade ties.
Speaking during a ceremony held for the signing of several memoranda of understanding between Indonesia and Pakistan, PM Shehbaz detailed the pair’s discussions and said, “What we have decided is […] to promote our bilateral trade, culture, interact in the medical health, education, and vocational training.”
He vowed to “work closely” with Indonesia to achieve the decided targets.
The premier noted that Pakistan’s current bilateral trade with Indonesia stood at $4.5 billion, out of which more than 90 per cent were palm oil imports.
“We have discussed how to take corrective measures to balance this balance of trade through agricultural exports from Pakistan through IT-led initiatives,” adding that the “trade gap” can be filled in many other areas as well.
The premier shared that the two countries had reached an agreement to send Pakistani doctors, dentists and other medical professionals to Indonesia.”
“I assure you that whatever is possible for us in this behalf, we will do it without any delay and with great pleasure,” PM Shehbaz expressed, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to its “brotherly nation.”
PM Shehbaz conveyed Pakistan’s “warmth and sincerity” to Indonesia in his address.
He noted that the Indonesian president’s visit coincided with the anniversary of Pakistan’s diplomatic relations with Indonesia.
On that note, the premier stressed, “Let us agree to celebrate these 75 years with great fanfare in Jakarta and in Islamabad simultaneously, that will convey a very loud and clear message to all and sundry.”
The prime minister recalled that the two nations’ relations “predated” their independence.
“Our founder, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, supported the war of independence of Indonesia while he was president of the All India Muslim League,” he said, lauding the “great heroic struggle of the Indonesian people.”
The premier continued: “Little did we know in 1965, our war against our neighbouring country, (Indonesia) stood with Pakistan like a rock, and this has gone into the annals of history with golden words.”
“It will be remembered by the people of Pakistan for all time to come,” PM Shehbaz added.
He also appreciated the country’s “unwavering stand” on Gaza, stressing that Indonesia’s support had “resulted in peace in that part of the world.”
“By the grace of god, bloodshed has stopped. However, Israel’s ceasefire violations continue,” the premier noted.
