PM Abbasi, Indonesian president discuss Afghan peace, trade ties

MoUs will boost bilateral trade ties between both countries

ISLAMABAD: The President of the Republic of Indonesia, His Excellency Joko Widodo, along with his wife Iriana Widodo, paid a two-day state visit to Pakistan on January 26. He was presented a guard of honour at the Prime Minister’s House, according to a press release by the Foreign Office (FO).

Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbassi and His Excellency Widodo recognised 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 establish a Joint Committee under the bilateral Agreement on Defence Cooperation. There was an agreement to intensify counter-terrorism cooperation. The two sides also agreed to support each other in building their respective anti-terrorism capabilities. PM Abbasi also 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 was 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 leaders agreed to work closely on major regional and global issues and Indonesia reiterated its support for Pakistan’s bid for Full Dialogue Partnership with ASEAN.

The premier briefed President Widodo on Pakistan’s efforts to enhance regional connectivity and development including through China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Both sides recognised that Afghan led and Afghan owned peace process is a must for the stability and development in Afghanistan. PM Abbasi also briefed the Indonesian president on Pakistan’s efforts to promote peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan. He also appreciated Indonesia’s desire to assist Afghanistan in peace and reconciliation.

President Widodo was also briefed on the steps taken by Pakistan to resolve all outstanding issues with India including the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir. PM Abbasi highlighted the grave human rights situation in Indian-occupied Kashmir.

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 between the two countries. Pakistan and Indonesia signed four different Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to boost bilateral trade ties.

Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Leghari, Minister for Commerce Muhammad Pervaiz Malik and their Indonesian counterparts Ignasius Jonan and Enggartiasto Lukito signed the documents.

MoUs on import of LNG and PoL products from Indonesia, trade facilitation, additional protocol to Preferential Trade Agreement for 20 new tariff  lines were signed.

Additionally, an MoU between Foreign Service Academy and Center for Training and Education was signed.