By The South Asia Times

Islamabad – Pakistan and Indonesia on Tuesday signed a wide range of agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) covering trade, food security, agriculture, health, education, and science and technology, as the two largest Muslim-majority nations vowed to elevate their historically close ties to a new level.

The signing ceremony was held at the Prime Minister’s Office in Islamabad during the first official visit of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who arrived in Pakistan on Monday.

His aircraft was escorted by Pakistan Air Force JF-17 Thunder jets, a gesture he described as a “great honor” and a symbol of the “brotherly bond” between the two nations. He expressed deep gratitude to Pakistan’s leadership for the “warm and exceptional welcome.”

Sharif: Agreements Will Unlock Bilateral Trade Potential

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, speaking at a joint press conference with the Indonesian leader, said the newly signed agreements would open “new avenues of long-term cooperation.”

“Pakistan and Indonesia are bound by deep-rooted friendship and shared values,” Sharif said. “Today’s agreements will help expand our bilateral trade, diversify economic cooperation, and strengthen ties in food security, agriculture, and technology.”

Highlighting economic discussions, Sharif noted that bilateral trade currently stands at $4.5 billion, with around 90% consisting of imports from Indonesia. He said both sides agreed on taking “corrective measures” to rebalance trade and unlock the full potential of economic cooperation.

Prabowo: ‘We Share Moderate Islam, Common Interests, and a Brotherly Bond’

In a detailed and heartfelt statement, President Prabowo praised Pakistan’s hospitality and emphasized the historic ties between the two nations.

“My brother, Mr. Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan… I express my deepest gratitude for the great honor your government and the people of Pakistan have given me,” he said. “The warm reception I received, including the escort by your distinguished Air Force pilots with the JF-17 Thunder, was truly exceptional.”

Prabowo said Indonesia and Pakistan share common values, common interests, and a commitment to moderate Islam rooted in inclusivity and tolerance. He described the relationship as “historic and brotherly,” urging both nations to utilize this strong foundation to benefit their people.

“We have achieved many agreements today in various fields. We want to move very fast in trade, education, agriculture, and science and technology,” he said, adding that he has instructed his ministers to expedite steps to rebalance trade “in practical terms.”

Indonesia Requests Pakistani Medical Support

A major highlight of Prabowo’s remarks was Indonesia’s request for Pakistani assistance in the health sector.

“I’m very grateful that Pakistan is willing to help us by sending your doctors, professors, and experts,” he said. “We have a very large need for doctors and dentists. Your assistance will be very strategic and critical for us as we begin a massive education program in the health sector.”

Shared Stance on Palestine

Both leaders reaffirmed their unwavering support for the two-state solution and pledged to continue coordinating foreign policy positions on Palestine.

Sharif commended Prabowo’s “consistent and courageous stand” on Gaza, while the Indonesian president said their foreign ministers remained in close coordination to maintain a unified position on the crisis.

“We will not waver in our support for a two-state solution in Palestine,” Prabowo reiterated.

Strengthening Future Cooperation

Looking ahead, the Indonesian president said he felt “very optimistic and very bullish” about the future of Pakistan–Indonesia relations. He extended a formal invitation to Prime Minister Sharif to visit Indonesia and encouraged further exchanges between officials of both countries.

The visit also coincides with the 75th anniversary of Pakistan–Indonesia diplomatic relations, marking what both leaders described as an opportunity to renew commitments to deeper cooperation.