PTA to foster bilateral trade relations between Pakistan, Indonesia

The upcoming review under the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) discussion provides a good opportunity between Pakistan and Indonesia to foster bilateral trade relations and both the countries have assured positive consideration on these matters.

This was the outcome of the first meeting of Bilateral Consultative Forum between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan held in Jakarta, said a statement issued by the Foreign Office on Saturday.

Pakistani delegation was led by Syed Zulfiqar Gardezi, Additional Secretary (Asia Pacific), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan whereas the Indonesian side was led by Desra Percaya, Director General for Asia Pacific and African Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Gardezi also held a meeting with Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs A M Fachir. Separately, he held discussions with Hirubalan V P, Deputy Secretary General ASEAN on ways to enhance Pakistan-ASEAN engagement.

The Forum reviewed the whole spectrum of bilateral relations including political, defence, security, economy and consular matters and it was agreed to translate the existing goodwill into concrete measures.

The two sides discussed increased high level exchanges over the coming months. To increase people to people contacts, easing visa regime to facilitate exchanges was emphasized.

Both countries underscored their commitment to continue strengthening bilateral relations especially through the mechanism of Consultative Forum, Joint Commission, Joint Working Group on Counter-terrorism and Policy Planning Dialogue. It was agreed to hold the Second Meeting of Bilateral Consultative Forum at a mutually convenient date in Pakistan during 2018.

Besides reviewing the current state of bilateral relations, both sides exchanged views on regional and global issues including South Asia and the ASEAN region and expressed satisfaction on cooperation at various multilateral fora. The Pakistan side highlighted the issues in relations with India particularly its continued gross human rights violations in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.