Indonesia Keen to Bolster Defense Ties with Pakistan

Indonesia’s Defence Minister, Lieutenant General (Retired) Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, has voiced his nation’s ambition to deepen defense cooperation and explore potential partnerships, particularly in defense manufacturing.

During a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Indonesian minister highlighted the importance of strengthening multifaceted bilateral collaboration, according to an official statement released on Tuesday.

The discussions underscored the enduring historical, fraternal, and amicable relations between Pakistan and Indonesia.

Lieutenant General (Retired) Sjamsoeddin also conveyed the warm greetings of President Prabowo Subianto to the Prime Minister and the people of Pakistan, as stated in the press release.

Prime Minister Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to enhancing bilateral cooperation with Indonesia across various sectors, including economic, strategic, trade, defense, and defense production.

The Prime Minister emphasized the long-standing friendship between Pakistan and Indonesia, which is rooted in shared cultural, religious, and historical connections, fostering mutual support in international forums.

Recalling his positive interaction with the Indonesian President during the G-8 summit in Cairo, he extended his best wishes.

The Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to exploring and expanding collaboration with Indonesia in joint investment ventures for mutually beneficial projects.

He also assessed ongoing initiatives under the Pakistan-Indonesia Defence Cooperation Agreement and consented to expedite the execution of projects in crucial areas of mutual benefit.

Last month, both countries concurred on investigating avenues to broaden bilateral cooperation in vital areas, such as vaccine production within Pakistan, establishing medical facilities in Indonesia, advancing pharmaceutical development, and facilitating the exchange of healthcare experts.