Cordial ties between Pakistan and Indonesia have been developing continuously since diplomatic relations established in the Treaty of Friendship on March 3, 1951.
The relationship are multidimensional in nature and character, and have grown rapidly over the years in different fields and diverse sectors, the Consul General of Indonesia in Karachi Hikmat Moeliawan said this while addressing a reception hosted in his honour by Hyderabad Institute of International Affairs here at a local hotel.
According to a press release issued on Sunday, he said that 53 years old relationships have been distinguished by the excellent political and economic co-operation and mutual support on regional and global issues at international fora.
He said that Indonesian people would never forget the invaluable support extended by the leaders of Pakistan and by its people especially by those who fought side by side with Indonesian freedom fighters in the war defending its independence.
In recognition of their meritorious services Independence Ward Awards were granted to those Pakistani soldiers while the highest civil award Adipurna was also conferred on the founding father of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam Mohammed Ali Jinnah to the government of Pakistan, he informed and added that historical and emotional ties bond both countries and is increasing as ever.
Commenting on bilateral economic relations, he said that two countries have enjoyed close and mutually beneficial trade relationship.
In the last few years, the figures have been volatile, he said and added that in the year 2001-2002, Pakistani imports from Indonesia was $243.2 million while its export was $76.8 million.
In 2002-2003, Pakistan import from Indonesia was $258 million and exports were $73.4 million, he added.
He said, Pakistan import from Indonesia included betel nuts, organic chemicals, black and green tea, paper and paperboard articles, viscose fibers etc.
On the other side, Pakistan exports to Indonesia were the petroleum, crude, cotton, textile yarn and fabrics, vegetables and fruits and leather products.
He said that there are lots of possibilities of co-operation between the two countries in the industrial sector, technical know how, banking and marine and air services.
There is also a good prospect to enhance trade between Pakistan and Indonesia, he said and added that his country is a big market of more than 210 million thus is keen to promote closer ties with Pakistan, which is also a huge market with more that 140 millions people.