Pakistan, Indonesia agree to strengthen cooperation in diverse fields

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Indonesia have agreed to strengthen cooperation in diverse fields including defense, security and economy.

The understanding came at a meeting between Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbassi and Indonesian President Joko Widodo during talks in Islamabad today.

The two leaders observed that the people of Pakistan and Indonesia share deep political, cultural, religious ties and respect for democratic values. Being the largest countries in the Islamic world, they stand together for their progress, prosperity, stability, security and territorial integrity.

It was agreed to establish a Joint Committee under the bilateral Agreement on Defence Cooperation.

The two leaders agreed to intensify Counter-Terrorism cooperation. They also agreed to support each other in building their respective anti-terrorism capabilities.

The two leaders noted that bilateral trade has crossed two billion dollars in last three years. But there is need to improve the trade imbalance.

The two sides acknowledged that there is considerable untapped potential to expand trade taking advantage of the PTA. It was also noted that three rounds of PTA Review have successfully taken up matters and efforts are being made to narrow the trade deficit.

The two sides agreed to maintain close high-level exchanges, which would provide guidance to the sustainable development of bilateral relationship.

The two sides agreed to further enhance strategic communication and coordination to safeguard their common interests.

Prime Minister Abbasi briefed President Widodo on Pakistan’s efforts to enhance regional connectivity and development including through China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

He underscored that CPEC and other mega infrastructural projects offer vast opportunities. President Widodo welcomed this initiative.

Both sides recognized that Afghan led and Afghan owned peace process is a must for the stability and development in Afghanistan. Prime Minister Abbasi briefed President Widodo on Pakistan’s efforts to promote peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan.

He also appreciated Indonesia’s desire to assist Afghanistan in peace and reconciliation, which is vital for regional security. Prime Minister Abbasi also briefed President Widodo on the steps taken by Pakistan to resolve all outstanding issues with India, including the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir.

He highlighted the grave human rights situation in IOK. During their interactions, both President Mamoon Hussain and Prime Minister Abbasi asked for the personal intervention of President Widodo to give humanitarian consideration to the case of Zulfiqar Ali, a gravely ill Pakistani held in Indonesia.