Islamabad, January 27, 2018 (PPI-OT):The President of the Republic of Indonesia, His Excellency Joko Widodo, along with his wife Mrs. Iriana Widodo, paid a State visit to Pakistan on 26-27 January 2018. President Joko Widodo was received at the airport by President Mamnoon Hussain and the First Lady and was presented with a guard of honour at the Prime Minister’s House. President of Pakistan hosted a Banquet in honour of the Indonesian President and the First Lady. As a special gesture to the democratically elected leader of the largest Islamic Country, President Widodo was invited to address the Joint Session of the Parliament. He graciously consented.
After a tete-a-tete, Prime Minister Abbasi and President Widodo 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. The two sides 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. ?
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. Prime Minister Abbasi briefed President Widodo on Pakistan’s counter terrorism efforts. 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 and efforts are being made to narrow the trade deficit.
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 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. After their talks, Prime Minister Abbasi and President Joko Widodo attended the signing ceremony of Agreements/MoUs between the two countries.
For more information, contact:
Spokesman
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Government of Pakistan
Tell: +92-51-9205494
Fax: +92-51-9204202
Cell: +92-336-5644459
Website: www.mofa.gov.pk