POLITICS & POLICY MAKING
The Indonesian president was welcomed at the Nur Khan Airbase by PM Shehbaz and President Asif Ali Zardari. The arrival marked the beginning of talks aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between Pakistan and Indonesia.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), PM Shehbaz Sharif expressed his honor in hosting President Subianto, emphasizing the deep cultural and historical ties between the two nations. He noted that Islamabad and Jakarta are “bound together by a shared history, deep cultural affinity, and a friendship rooted in mutual respect and solidarity.” He also expressed anticipation for “meaningful engagements” in the coming days as both countries seek to further solidify their longstanding partnership.
Key Focus of the Visit
According to a statement by the Foreign Office (FO), President Subianto’s visit, from December 8-9, carries significant weight, not only because of the long-standing relationship between the two countries but also due to the fact that it coincides with the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Indonesia.
This is Subianto’s first visit to Pakistan, with the last presidential visit being in 2018 by former Indonesian President Joko Widodo.
Bilateral Discussions and Key Areas of Cooperation
During his stay, President Subianto is scheduled to hold delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He will also meet President Asif Ali Zardari and call on Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. The discussions are expected to focus on expanding bilateral cooperation in several sectors, including:
· Trade and investment
· Defence
· Health and IT
· Climate change and education
· Cultural exchanges
The Indonesian president’s visit is also expected to result in the signing of several memoranda of understanding (MOUs), aimed at fostering greater collaboration between the two nations.
Strong Bilateral Ties
The diplomatic and cultural ties between Pakistan and Indonesia have remained strong over the years. Both countries share a deep cultural bond, with religion and mutual respect playing central roles in their relationship. Beyond this, the nations have increasingly cooperated in areas such as trade, education, and healthcare.
Earlier this year, Indonesian Defence Minister Lt Gen (retired) Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad to discuss ways to boost defense ties. The minister emphasized Indonesia’s interest in increasing collaboration with Pakistan, particularly in defense production.
In June, both nations agreed to enhance cooperation in vaccine production, the establishment of medical institutions, and pharmaceutical development, in addition to fostering human resource exchanges between the two countries.