Pakistan, Indonesia agree to further expand scope of bilateral ties
ISLAMABAD, (MILLAT ONLINE):Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and President of Indonesia Joko Widodo Saturday held in-depth
exchange of views on bilateral relations and a wide range of international and regional issues of shared
interest.
After a tete-a-tete, the two leaders reaffirmed that the people of Pakistan and Indonesia shared deep
political, cultural, religious ties and respect for democratic values.
Being the largest countries in the Islamic world, the two stood together for their progress, prosperity,
stability, security and territorial integrity.
Besides, agreeing to strengthen their defense and security cooperation, the two leaders also agreed to
intensify counter-terrorism cooperation.
Prime Minister Abbasi briefed President Widodo on Pakistan’s counter terrorism efforts, PM office
media wing said in a press release.
The two leaders agreed that there was a need to improve the trade imbalance.
The two sides acknowledged that there was considerable untapped potential to expand trade, taking
advantage of the PTA.
The two side agreed to further increase tariff lines under the existing mechanism of Preferential Trade
Agreement between the two countries.
There was also unanimity of views to work together for gradually taking PTA to the level of Free Trade
Agreement.
The two leaders emphasized the importance of cooperation at the multilateral forums.
Indonesia reiterated its support for Pakistan’s bid for full dialogue partnership with the Association of
Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Indonesia also assured Pakistan to support its bid for Indian-Ocean
Rim Association.
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 Indonesian businessmen could benefit from the vast investment opportunities,
offered by the CPEC.
About regional situation, Prime Minister Abbasi briefed President Widodo about Pakistan’s efforts to
promote peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan.
He also appreciated Indonesia’s desire to assist Afghanistan in peace and reconciliation which was
vital for regional security.
He 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 Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK).
After their talks, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Indonesian President Joko Widodo attended
a signing ceremony of MoUs/Agreement between the two countries.
The MoUs/Agreement signed include MoU on Import of LNG and POL products from Indonesia, Additional
Protocol to Preferential Trade Agreement for 20 new tariff lines, MoU on Trade facilitation and MoU
between Foreign Service Academy and Centre of Training and Education Indonesia.