Pakistan, Indonesia sign seven agreements to deepen bilateral cooperation

A day after Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto was accorded ceremonial honours and held preliminary meetings in Islamabad during his maiden visit to Pakistan, the second day of the trip marked a major diplomatic breakthrough as Pakistan and Indonesia signed seven agreements to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors. The visit has assumed added significance as it coincided with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held talks with President Subianto, during which memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were inked in areas including higher education, Indonesian state scholarship grants, small and medium enterprise development, national archives collaboration, narcotics control and anti-drug trafficking cooperation, halal trade and certification, and healthcare collaboration. The agreements were described as a major step forward in institutionalising bilateral ties.

Following the talks, it was stated at a joint press briefing that collective efforts would be undertaken to achieve the targets set for collaboration in trade, culture, healthcare, education and vocational training. It was emphasised that cooperation would be expanded to facilitate interaction in medical and professional training sectors.

It was also announced that Pakistani doctors, dentists, medical professionals and other specialists would be sent to Indonesia to help meet its healthcare sector requirements. The existing bilateral trade volume of approximately USD 4.5 billion largely consisting of palm oil imports by Pakistan was highlighted, and it was conveyed that discussions had been held on rebalancing trade through increased agricultural exports and IT-driven services from Pakistan.

The long-standing nature of bilateral relations was recalled, and it was pointed out that the current year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations. It was proposed that the milestone be celebrated simultaneously in Islamabad and Jakarta to send a strong message of enduring friendship. Historical support extended by Indonesia to Pakistan during the 1965 war was also referenced as a foundation of trust between the two countries.

From the Indonesian side, it was conveyed that the rebalancing of trade relations would be expedited through practical measures. The meetings were described as productive, and it was stated that several agreements had been achieved in fields of mutual interest. It was further indicated that cooperation would be enhanced in education, agriculture, health and other priority areas.

Shared Islamic values based on moderation, inclusivity and tolerance were highlighted, and it was conveyed that the historical bond between the two nations would be utilised to benefit their peoples across sectors. Coordination in foreign policy was noted, particularly a shared stance on Palestine, with support reiterated for a two-state solution.

President Subianto expressed gratitude for the warm reception extended by Pakistan and said the honour of an escort by Pakistan Air Force fighter jets , including the JF-17 Thunder , was deeply appreciated. An invitation was also extended to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to visit Indonesia at a mutually convenient date.

President Subianto had earlier been accorded a guard of honour upon his arrival at the Prime Minister’s House as the two countries moved to elevate their “brotherly” relations to a higher level through structured and long-term cooperation.