Indonesia seeks deeper bilateral defence ties

Indonesia has expressed the desire to further expand defence ties with Pakistan across multiple domains, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement on Monday.

The development came as Indonesia Minister of Defence Lt Gen Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin (retd) called on CDF Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi.

The ISPR statement said the meeting focused on matters of mutual interest, evolving regional and global security dynamics, and exploration of avenues for enhancing bilateral defence cooperation.

Both sides underscored the importance of strengthening institutional linkages, training collaboration, and defence industrial cooperation between Pakistan and Indonesia, the statement added.

The visiting dignitary lauded professionalism of Pakistan Armed Forces and acknowledged their sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, the ISPR noted, adding that he also expressed Indonesia's desire to further expand defence ties with Pakistan across multiple domains.

The COAS and CDF reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to fostering strong and enduring defence relationship with Indonesia, based on shared values, mutual respect, and convergence of strategic interests.

Meanwhile, a defence delegation led by Indonesia defence minister called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu at Air Headquarters, Islamabad, following the recent state visit of the Indonesian president, the ISPR said in a separate statement.

The meeting reaffirmed the historic and brotherly ties between Pakistan and Indonesia and focused on strengthening bilateral Air Force cooperation, particularly in capacity building, training and technological collaboration.

The air chief briefed the delegation on PAF's modernisation drive, including infrastructure development, revamped training and induction of niche capabilities to enhance readiness for multi-domain operations.

The Indonesian defence minister praised PAF's professionalism, combat readiness and indigenization achievements under the National Aerospace Science & Technology Park, and expressed strong interest in expanding cooperation in training, aviation and aerospace domains, the ISPR statement said.

The meeting reflected growing momentum in Pakistan–Indonesia defence ties and a shared resolve to deepen cooperation through sustained engagement and dialogue, it added.