ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and the Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Saturday noted that bilateral trade has crossed $2 billion mark in last three years but there is need to improve the trade imbalance.
In a meeting held at PM House in Islamabad, the two leaders held in-depth exchange of views on bilateral relations and a wide range of international and regional issues of shared interest.
The two sides agreed to maintain close high-level exchanges which would provide guidance to the sustainable development of our bilateral relationship. They also agreed to further enhance strategic communication and coordination to safeguard their common interests.
The two leaders recognized 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, the two stand together for their progress, prosperity, stability, security and territorial integrity.
The two sides agreed to strengthen defense and security cooperation including through training of defense personnel and cooperation between their respective defense educational institutions. It was agreed to establish a Joint Committee under the bilateral Agreement on Defence Cooperation.
They also agreed that there is need to increase two-way investments to diversify and expand economic ties. The two sides acknowledged that there is considerable untapped potential to expand trade taking advantage of the preferential trade agreement (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.
Moreover, the two leaders underscored the importance of cooperation at the multilateral forums. They agreed to work closely on major regional and global issues, and continue to work with mutual coordination and cooperation in important regional forums including Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Regional Forum.
Indonesia reiterated its support for Pakistan’s bid for Full Dialogue Partnership with ASEAN.
Khaqan Abbasi also briefed President Joko Widodo on Pakistan’s efforts to enhance regional connectivity and development including through China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He underscored that CPEC and other mega infrastructural projects offer vast opportunities. President Widodo welcomed this initiative.
Besides, both sides recognized that Afghan led and Afghan owned peace process is a must for the stability and development in Afghanistan.
The prime minister briefed the Indonesian president on Pakistan’s counter terrorism efforts. The two leaders agreed to intensify counter-terrorism cooperation. The two sides also agreed to support each other in building their respective anti-terrorism capabilities.
Shahid Khaqan Abbasi briefed Joko 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.
In addition, the Indonesian president was briefed 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 Indian Occupied Kashmir.
The two leaders reaffirmed to strengthen brotherly relations between Indonesia and Pakistan and expressed their hope to utilize the visit of President Joko Widodo to further cement these ties. The two leaders pledged to remain in close contact with each other.
The two leaders also attended the signing ceremony of agreements/MoUs between Pakistan and Indonesia.
