Indonesian President Prabowo Arrives in Islamabad to Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation

Islamabad, The Gulf Observer: President of the Republic of Indonesia, H.E. Prabowo Subianto, arrived in Islamabad on Monday for a two-day official visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. He is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising key ministers and senior officials, marking his first visit to Pakistan since assuming office.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warmly welcomed the Indonesian leader upon his arrival. The visit holds particular significance as it coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Indonesia—an important milestone reflecting decades of friendship, shared values, and multifaceted cooperation between the two Muslim-majority nations. It also marks the first visit by an Indonesian president to Pakistan since President Joko Widodo’s trip in 2018.

During the visit, President Prabowo will hold detailed delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The discussions will cover a comprehensive agenda aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation across key sectors, including trade, investment, defence, health, information technology, climate action, education, and cultural exchange. The two sides will also review efforts to enhance coordination at regional and international forums.

The Indonesian President will separately call on President Asif Ali Zardari. In a major engagement underscoring defence and security partnership, the Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, will also meet President Prabowo.

A number of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) are expected to be signed during the visit, paving the way for expanded institutional collaboration and broader bilateral engagement.

Officials in Islamabad have described the visit as a significant diplomatic development that will help enhance and diversify Pakistan–Indonesia relations. Both sides expect that the engagements will inject new momentum into the partnership and advance shared economic and strategic interests.

President Prabowo’s arrival is seen as a key opportunity to further strengthen ties as the two nations commemorate 75 years of diplomatic relations.