Islamabad, December 9, 2025: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Tuesday held comprehensive bilateral talks and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation across all areas of mutual interest, agreeing to elevate their historic relationship into a forward-looking and dynamic partnership.
The leaders reviewed the full spectrum of Pakistan–Indonesia relations, encompassing political and diplomatic engagement, trade and economic cooperation, defence and security, health, education, science and technology, agriculture, and environmental collaboration.
During the talks, the prime minister was assisted by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, cabinet members and senior officials, according to a press release issued by the PM Office Media Wing.
Expressing satisfaction over the upward trajectory of bilateral trade, the two sides agreed to review the Indonesia–Pakistan Preferential Trade Agreement (IP-PTA) to further expand trade volumes, which currently stand at around $4 billion, while also addressing the existing trade imbalance. They underscored the importance of enhancing cooperation in the halal industry, agricultural commodities, information technology, and technical and vocational education.
Both countries also agreed to promote investment collaboration and joint ventures in diverse sectors through closer coordination between Pakistan’s Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and Indonesia’s Sovereign Wealth Fund, Danantara.
Prime Minister Sharif appreciated President Prabowo’s welfare-oriented and people-centric initiatives, including Indonesia’s “Free Nutritious Meal Programme.” Noting Indonesia’s interest in strengthening health sector cooperation, the Pakistani side agreed to explore avenues for collaboration through the exchange of medical professionals, mutual recognition of medical qualifications, and the provision of specialised training.
The two leaders exchanged views on key regional and global issues, including the situations in Kashmir and Gaza, reiterating their shared commitment to the peaceful resolution of conflicts in line with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the protection of human rights. Prime Minister Sharif commended President Prabowo’s active diplomatic and humanitarian efforts in Gaza, particularly his role in supporting ceasefire initiatives and facilitating humanitarian assistance.
Both sides also expressed satisfaction over their close cooperation at multilateral forums, including the United Nations, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Developing Eight (D-8). The prime minister congratulated Indonesia on assuming the chairmanship of D-8 and assured President Prabowo of Pakistan’s full support.
Following the talks, the two leaders witnessed the exchange of memoranda of understanding and agreements in various fields. Prime Minister Sharif also hosted a luncheon in honour of the Indonesian president and his delegation.
The visit coincides with the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Indonesia, marking a significant milestone in the long-standing and brotherly ties between the two countries.
