ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Indonesia formally signed a package of seven Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at expanding cooperation across trade, health, education, ICT, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and other key sectors, state-run news agency APP reported on Tuesday.
The signing ceremony took place at the PM House, with Shehbaz Sharif and visiting Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in attendance.
Under the new agreements, both countries committed to strengthening bilateral trade and rebalancing trade flows — currently estimated at around US$4.5 billion — by boosting Pakistani exports (especially in agriculture and IT) and reducing import dependence on limited categories, such as palm oil.
Pakistan offered to send doctors, dentists, and other medical experts to Indonesia to help meet its growing demand for qualified medical professionals.
In addition, the leaders committed to promoting educational collaboration, including mutual recognition of higher-education degrees and certification of academic credentials under the framework between Indonesia’s Ministry of Higher Education and Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission.
They also agreed to boost cooperation in information technology, SMEs, and halal trade certification to support entrepreneurs, small business growth, and trade in the halal industry between the two countries.
At the joint press stakeout, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recalled that Pakistan and Indonesia have shared friendly and fraternal relations for over 75 years, dating back to pre-Independence support for Indonesia’s freedom struggle.
He emphasized that these new agreements are expected to further elevate bilateral relations to “new heights.”
President Prabowo Subianto described the outcome of the talks as “productive,” welcoming Pakistan’s support in health and education, and reiterated Indonesia’s readiness to expedite the practical implementation of all agreed MoUs.
The renewed push for cooperation comes amid a broader regional context, with both countries underscoring their commitment to deepening ties in trade, technology, human resources, and mutual capacity-building, a move that could strengthen economic links and foster greater people-to-people exchange across South and Southeast Asia.
CDF Munir meets Indonesian president
Separately, Pakistan’s Chief of Defense Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, called on Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.
The discussions focused on regional security and strengthening bilateral military ties, according to a statement from Inter-Services Public Relations, the military's media wing.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in training, counter-terrorism, and capacity-building.
President Subianto praised the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces and acknowledged Pakistan’s role in supporting regional peace.
Munir said Pakistan values its longstanding relationship with Indonesia and seeks deeper defense engagement.
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