The best way to join the commemoration of Pakistan's national day would be to pledge for greater co-operation between the two countries in future. These views were expressed by the Indonesian Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Tifatul Sembiring, while addressing Pakistan's National Day ceremony, says a press release received from Jakarta.
The minister said Pakistan-Indonesia relations are historical and have been cordial since the very beginning.
He spoke high of the support that both countries have extended each other at international fora on different issues. He said today's world has undergone a tremendous change, multi-dimensional issues have surfaced and no country alone can address them. So we need each other's support and continued co-operation to overcome problems, said Tifatul.
The minister went on to say that the people of Pakistan had made a significant contribution to realise peace in South Asian region and deserve admiration for that.
Felicitating the Pakistani nation on the occasion, he said the people on both sides had a lot to contribute for enhancement of ties between the two countries. The Minister said he felt honoured to address the national day ceremony of Pakistan.
Ambassador Sanaullah in his remarks said Indonesia-Pakistan relationship was story of a family. It had a memorable past and promise of a bright future.
More than 238 million Indonesians and 170 million Pakistanis stand together to take this relationship to new high, the Ambassador said.
He said, Pakistan had always been and wished to remain a progressive and moderate country and was determined to defeat the forces advocating religious intolerance.
He said it was always expected of Pakistan to do more in terms of the war on terror. Pakistanis were prepared to do more in their own way and at their own terms but needed support to overcome the problem of militancy.
He categorically stated that Pakistan would never allow its territory to be used for launching acts of terror against any other country and expressed the hope that Pakistan would soon triumph over forces of darkness. He also mentioned that the country was today fortified by functional democracy, vibrant and independent media and judiciary.
The visiting Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Khalid Shamim Wyne HI(M) also attended the reception and along with Ambassador Sanaullah and Minister for Communication of Indonesia, Tifatul Sembiring performed the cake cutting ceremony marking the national day celebrations.