Pakistan and Indonesia have agreed to increase two-way investments to diversify and expand economic ties by taking advantage of the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA). This was agreed during the two-day state visit of Indonesian President Joko Widodo along with his wife Iriana Widodo and a high-level delegation, comprising cabinet ministers and businessmen, to Islamabad.
According to a Foreign Office statement issued at the conclusion of the visit, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and President Joko Widodo held in-depth exchange of views on bilateral relations and a wide range of international and regional issues of shared interest after a tête-à-tête.
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.
The two leaders noted that bilateral trade has crossed $2 billion mark in last three years. But there is need to improve the trade imbalance. 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 PTA. It was also noted that three rounds of PTA Review have successfully taken up matters while efforts are being made to narrow the trade deficit.
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 Defense Cooperation.
The two leaders agreed to intensify counterterrorism cooperation. The two sides also agreed to support each other in building their respective anti-terrorism capabilities. Prime Minister Abbasi briefed President Widodo on Pakistan''s counterterrorism efforts.
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 ASEAN Regional Forum. Indonesia reiterated its support for Pakistan''s bid for Full Dialogue Partnership with ASEAN.
Prime Minister Abbasi briefed President 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.
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 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.
The two leaders reaffirmed to strengthen brotherly relations between Indonesia and Pakistan and expressed their hope to utilize the visit of President Widodo to further cement these ties. The two leaders pledged to remain in close contact with each other.
Both President Mamnoon 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 imprisoned in Indonesia. After their talks, Prime Minister Abbasi and President Widodo attended the signing ceremony of agreements/MoUs between the two countries.
Earlier, on his arrival on Friday, President Joko Widodo was received at the airport by President Mamnoon Hussain and the First Lady and was presented with a guard of honor at the Prime Minister''s House. President Mamnoon Hussain also hosted a banquet in honor of the Indonesian President and the First Lady. As a special gesture to the democratically elected leader of the largest Islamic country, President Widodo also addressed the joint session of the Parliament on Friday. President Joko Widodo also laid a floral wreath at the monument of Unsung Heroes of Democracy at Parliament House and paid tribute to them.
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