Pakistan, Indonesia agree to enhance defence, trade cooperation

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Indonesia Friday agreed to work together for peace in Afghanistan, saying Afghan peace was necessary for the development and progress of the region.

This was agreed in a meeting between President Mamnoon Hussain and President of Indonesia Joko Widodo at the Aiwan-e-Sadr as the two leaders had one on one meeting followed by the delegation level meeting.

During the meeting, the two leaders also agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation to further strengthen the defence and trade relations.

Earlier, President Mamnoon Hussain and First Lady Begum Mahmooda Mamnoon warmly welcomed President of Indonesia Joko Widodo and First Lady of Indonesia Iriana Joko Widodo upon their arrival at main entrance of the Aiwan-e-Sadr.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo said Indonesia thought that it could play a positive role in the peace process of Afghanistan.

He commended that Pakistan had played a very significant role in the peace process of Afghanistan and also proposed the establishment of a committee of Indonesian, Afghan and Pakistani Ulemas for this purpose.

Both leaders stressed that expanded trade, investment and economic cooperation should be a vital element in their relationship.
President Mamnoon Hussain expressed satisfaction over the progress of defence relations between the two countries.

He expressed pleasure that activities under the bilateral defence agreement had been started.
He hoped that the Joint Committee envisaged under the agreement would soon be formed and start implementing the provisions of the agreement.

The president said new initiatives of army to army and navy to navy talks and joint exercises would further boost the bilateral cooperation. Both the countries could utilize expertise of each other in defence production, he added.

President Mamnoon Hussain highlighted that excellent cooperation existed between Pakistan and Indonesia on international issues. He also thanked the Indonesian president for their support to Pakistan’s bid to become Full Dialogue Partner of ASEAN.