Pakistan and Indonesia Sign 7 MoUs to Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation

Pakistan and Indonesia have strengthened their bilateral relations by signing seven Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements across multiple sectors, aiming to expand cooperation and promote shared development goals. The signing ceremony in Islamabad was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, underscoring the importance of the partnership.

The agreements cover a wide range of areas, including collaboration in higher education, a grant program for Indonesian state scholarships, facilitation of business development for small and medium enterprises, cooperation between national archives, joint efforts in narcotics control and combating illicit drug trafficking, Halal trade and certification, and cooperation in the health sector.

During a joint press briefing, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted plans to implement these agreements and work closely with President Prabowo to achieve the targets set in various fields. He addressed the current bilateral trade of $4.5 billion, largely in Indonesia’s favor, and noted that both countries have agreed to take collective measures to balance trade through increased exports of Pakistani agricultural products and IT services.

The Prime Minister also stated that Pakistan would send doctors, dentists, and other medical professionals to Indonesia to support its healthcare requirements. He emphasized that the strong ties between the two nations, spanning over seventy-five years, are rooted in historical solidarity, recalling Indonesia’s unwavering support for Pakistan during the 1965 war.

Shehbaz Sharif expressed confidence that President Prabowo’s visit would elevate the brotherly relations to new heights, focusing on promoting progress, peace, and prosperity not only for Pakistan and Indonesia but for the wider region.