JAKARTA - The Ambassador (Dubes) of Pakistan to Indonesia Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri emphasized the importance of Pakistani and Indonesian collaboration at the global level, given that both countries represent more than a quarter of the world's Muslim population.
"Indonesia and Pakistan together represent more than a quarter of the world's Muslim population. Therefore, it is very important for both countries to work together," Zahid said, in a press conference, after his meeting with President Prabowo Subianto at the Presidential Palace complex, Jakarta, Thursday, February 12. reported by ANTARA.
He said that cooperation was not only strengthened bilaterally, but also through various international forums such as the United Nations (UN), the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), D-8, and ASEAN.
He said Pakistan and Indonesia are two friendly countries that have strong historical ties, even before the independence of each country.
"Pakistan and Indonesia are two fraternal and friendly countries. Historically, we have had very good bilateral relations. I am very happy to say that relations between our two nations have been established even before the independence of both countries," he said.
In his statement, he referred to the events in 1942 when Muslim soldiers came to join the Indonesian people in the fight against colonial occupation as a symbol of solidarity between the two nations.
"In 1942, Muslim soldiers came leaving their duties, families, and belongings to join their brothers in Indonesia in the fight against colonial occupation," said Zahid.
He explained that the cooperation between the two countries so far covers various strategic sectors, ranging from defense and security to health, education, trade, investment, and culture.
Pakistan also welcomed the optimistic new era of bilateral relations with Indonesia.
"We look forward to a new era of Pakistan-Indonesia relations," he said.
Zahid assessed that President Prabowo Subianto's visit to Pakistan last month was an important turning point in strengthening the partnership between the two countries.
In recent months, the Indonesian Minister of Defense has been recorded to have visited Pakistan twice, followed by a visit by the Indonesian Minister of Investment and CEO of Danantara.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Health of Pakistan has also visited Jakarta a few weeks ago.
He added that in the near future there will be a number of other high-level meetings between Pakistan and Indonesia as part of efforts to strengthen the strategic relationship between the two countries.
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