Pakistan, Indonesia strengthen defence, economic partnership

July 17, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan and Indonesia have reiterated their resolve to strengthen multifaceted bilateral cooperation, with a particular focus on defence, defence production, economic ventures, and regional security, during a series of high-level meetings held in Islamabad.

Indonesia’s Defence Minister, Lieutenant General (Retired) Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, who is currently visiting Pakistan, met Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister’s Office.

In the meeting, the Indonesian minister conveyed the warm wishes of President Prabowo Subianto to the prime minister and the people of Pakistan.

He also expressed Indonesia’s intent to deepen defence ties and explore potential collaboration in defence production, according to the press release issued.

In response, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to broadening cooperation with Indonesia across all sectors, including defence, trade, strategic engagement, and investment.

He emphasized the need to accelerate the implementation of key provisions under the Pakistan-Indonesia Defence Cooperation Agreement and reiterated Pakistan’s dedication to advancing joint ventures in mutually beneficial projects.

The prime minister highlighted the enduring friendship between the two countries, rooted in shared religious, cultural, and historical values.

He also recalled his meeting with President Subianto on the sidelines of the Developing-8 Summit in Cairo last year and conveyed his best wishes for the Indonesian leader.

According to the official statement issued by the Press Information Department (PID), both sides stressed the importance of enhancing bilateral ties and acknowledged the robust partnership between Pakistan and Indonesia on international platforms.

Later in the day, General Sjamsoeddin held a separate meeting with Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, at General Headquarters.

The two dignitaries discussed regional security dynamics, ongoing defence cooperation, and strategies to strengthen military-to-military collaboration.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) noted that the meeting reflected the long-standing, brotherly relationship between the armed forces of both nations.

Field Marshal Munir emphasized the role of mutual defence partnerships in promoting peace and stability across the region.

In turn, Gen Sjamsoeddin acknowledged the Pakistan Army’s contributions in the global fight against terrorism and reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to bolstering military ties with Pakistan.

Beyond defence, both countries have also been working to deepen cooperation in health and education sectors.

In June, Pakistan and Indonesia agreed to enhance collaboration in vaccine production, medical institution development in Indonesia, pharmaceutical innovation, and human resource exchange.

Last year, further efforts to strengthen bilateral trade were made when Indonesian Charge d’Affaires Rahmat Hindiarta hosted a special dinner for Pakistani business leaders and their spouses at the Indonesian Embassy in Islamabad, aiming to elevate financial and commercial relations.

The latest meetings underscore the growing strategic alignment between the two countries and a shared commitment to expanding cooperation across multiple dimensions for mutual benefit.

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