Pakistan and Indonesia hold joint counter-terrorism military exercise

The military drill underscores the commitment of both countries to regional security and defence collaboration.

Pakistan and Indonesia have successfully concluded their joint counter-terrorism exercise, "Elang Strike 2", held at the National Counter Terrorism Centre in Pabi.

The one-week exercise, which began on 8 September 2024, focused on the exchange of experiences and training methodologies between the two countries.

This marks the second counter-terrorism drill between the Pakistani and Indonesian armed forces, aiming to bolster military cooperation and enhance professional capabilities.

The closing ceremony saw the participation of senior officials, including the General Officer Commanding of Pakistan's 17 Division and Indonesia's Defence Attaché, Colonel Budi Wirman.

Both forces displayed high levels of professional skill during the exercise, according to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Earlier this month, the embassy of Indonesia Charge d'Affaires Rahmat Hindiarta Kusuma stressed the need to further promote bilateral trade between Pakistan and Indonesia for the mutual benefit of the people of both countries.

During his visit to the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Rahmat Hindiarta highlighted the historic bilateral trade, diplomatic relations, and economic cooperation between both countries and emphasised the need to explore other avenues to strengthen trade and economic relations.

He urged Pakistani businessmen to explore Indonesia's potential for international trade and investment, emphasising the importance of strengthening business-to-business relations between the two nations.

He stressed the need to utilise the existing Indonesia-Pakistan Preferential Trade Agreement and work towards a Free Trade Agreement.

He also highlighted Indonesia's strategic location and established trade ties with the ASEAN region.

Last month, the acting Consul General of Indonesia in Karachi Teguh Wiweko said that despite global challenges, bilateral trade between Indonesia and Pakistan reached an impressive $3.34 billion in 2023 and recorded a remarkable growth of 69.99% in the first quarter of 2024.

Responding to remarks made by Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industry President Muhammad Farooq Shaikhani, the envoy announced that the 39th Trade Expo Indonesia would be held from October 9 to 12, 2024 under the theme of "Build Strong Connection with the Best of Indonesia."

Highlighting the longstanding history of mutual cooperation and development between Indonesia and Pakistan, he stressed that the strength of economic partnership was evident from the consistent growth of trade relations over the years.

Indonesian products including coffee, biscuits, noodles and children's food items are gaining significant popularity in Pakistan.

Furthermore, Indonesia's crude palm oil holds a dominant 80% share in the Pakistani market.

Wiweko noted a significant recent development where Indonesia's imports increased from Pakistan, particularly of rice.

Pakistan's rice exports to Indonesia have emerged as a success story, further strengthening economic ties between the two nations.

In 2023, Indonesia imported approximately 500,000 metric tonnes of rice from Pakistan with the total value exceeding $300 million.

This remarkable achievement represents a significant increase in Pakistan's rice exports to Indonesia compared to $188 million in 2022.

"These impressive figures underscore the immense potential for further development and collaboration between our two nations," the consul general said.

He shared that last year's trade expo attracted over 33,000 visitors from 114 countries, resulting in business deals worth $25.3 billion.

This year, the goal is to expand even further by capitalising on the strong foundation already established.