Pakistan, Indonesia sign wide-ranging agreements to bolster cooperation

Islamabad to send doctors, dentists, other medical professionals to Indonesia, says PM

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Indonesia signed several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and agreements aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation in different sectors in a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.

The MoUs and agreements pertain to a wide range of sectors, including trade, culture, health, education, and vocational training.

Addressing a joint press stakeout afterwards, PM Shehbaz pledged to work closely with Indonesia to achieve the goals set for cooperation in various fields. Shehbaz Sharif termed his meeting with the Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto “extremely productive and gratifying”, as the two pledged to expand bilateral trade ties.

Speaking during the ceremony held for the signing of several memoranda of understanding between Indonesia and Pakistan, the premier detailed the pair’s discussions and said, “What we have decided is […] to promote our bilateral trade, culture, interact in the field of medical health, education, and vocational training.”

He assured the Indonesian president that Pakistan would “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 accounted for palm oil imports.

“We have discussed how to take corrective measures to balance this balance of trade through agricultural exports from Pakistan, through exports of 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, medical professors and experts to Indonesia, which he said was establishing a “a large number” of medical colleges and universities.

“I assure you that whatever is possible for us in this [regard], we will do it without any delay and with great pleasure,” PM Shehbaz said, 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.

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 in golden words.”

Coming back to Pakistan-Indonesia relations, the premier voiced optimism that “the bond between Pakistan and Indonesia will continue to grow in strength, depth, and vision”.

He stressed that the president’s visit “will take these wonderful relations to a much higher level”.

In his concluding remarks, the prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to “cooperate” with Indonesia for progress and peace in the region.

Meanwhile, President Subianto, at the outset of his speech, expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the warm reception he had received in Pakistan.

He thanked PM Shehbaz for receiving him in person along with President Asif Ali Zardari.

Echoing PM Shehbaz’s remarks, he said, “Today we have had very productive meetings. We have achieved many agreements in various fields, and we have addressed matters of mutual interest between us.”

“We have common values, we have common interests; we are both maybe the biggest Muslim countries in the world,” Subianto said.

“But our Islam is moderate Islam, which promotes inclusivity, tolerance.”

He added that the historic and brotherly relations between the two countries were “solid”.

“I think it is very important for us in the coming days and coming years that we make use of this history, make use of this brotherly bond, to benefit our people in most fields.” He particularly expressed his gratitude that Pakistan was willing to help Indonesia in the field of health by sending doctors, professors and experts to assist in strengthening its health sector. Staff Report