Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed his talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto as productive, yielding seven MoUs to boost trade and health ties amid the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held Shehbaz Sharif Indonesia talks with President Prabowo Subianto in Islamabad on Monday. The meeting at the Prime Minister’s House focused on trade, health, and education. It produced seven MoUs during a signing ceremony. The visit marks Prabowo’s first to Pakistan since taking office. It coincides with 75 years of bilateral ties. Officials exchanged documents after delegation-level discussions.
These Shehbaz Sharif Indonesia talks strengthen economic links between two Muslim-majority nations in South Asia and Southeast Asia. They address a $4.5 billion trade imbalance, with Pakistan importing 90 per cent palm oil from Indonesia. Enhanced cooperation could add $2 billion to annual trade by 2030, per government estimates. Shared stances on Palestine further align regional diplomacy.
Shehbaz Sharif Indonesia Talks Focus on Trade Balance
Shehbaz Sharif Indonesia talks covered bilateral trade volumes. Current trade stands at $4.5 billion. Pakistan seeks to export agriculture and IT services to offset imports. “We have discussed how to take corrective measures to balance this balance of trade through agricultural exports from Pakistan through IT-led initiatives,” Sharif said in a joint press conference.
President Prabowo instructed ministers to expedite rebalancing. “I have instructed my ministers to expedite the rebalancing of Pakistan-Indonesia trade relations in practical terms,” he stated. Both leaders committed to cultural exchanges and vocational training. Indonesia plans to import Pakistani rice, textiles, and software.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs press release noted several MoUs expected. Seven materialised, including one on Halal trade certification. This aids Pakistani meat and dairy exports to Indonesia’s 270 million consumers. Another MoU covers business development for small and medium enterprises. It links chambers of commerce for joint ventures.
Pakistan’s exports to Indonesia totalled $200 million last year. Imports reached $4.3 billion. Officials aim for parity by 2028. A joint working group will meet quarterly in Jakarta and Islamabad.
Health and Education Gains from Shehbaz Sharif Indonesia Talks
One MoU deploys Pakistani doctors and dentists to Indonesia. Prabowo highlighted a massive education programme. “We have a very vast need for doctors and dentists, and I am starting a massive programme of education in this field, so your assistance will be very strategic and critical for us,” he said.
Pakistan agreed to send 500 medical professionals initially. Training will occur at new Indonesian universities. Sharif assured swift action. “I assure you that whatever is possible for us in this behalf, we will do it without any delay and with great pleasure,” he replied.
An education MoU enables mutual recognition of degrees. Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission partners with Indonesia’s Ministry of Higher Education. It includes academic exchanges for 1,000 students annually. The Indonesian Aid Scholarships programme targets Pakistani youth. It funds 200 scholarships for master’s degrees in Jakarta.
Vocational training features in another agreement. Centres in Lahore and Surabaya will share curricula on IT and agriculture. This builds on $50 million in prior aid from Indonesia.
Defence and Global Coordination in Shehbaz Sharif Indonesia Talks
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir called on Prabowo. Discussions touched defence production. Pakistan offered joint manufacturing of drones and small arms. Indonesia seeks technology transfer for maritime security.
On foreign policy, both reaffirmed support for Palestine. “We will always maintain a common stance in this regard,” Prabowo said. They back a two-state solution with pre-1967 borders. Sharif noted Indonesia’s 1965 aid during Pakistan’s war. “Little did we know in 1965, our war against our neighbouring country, Indonesia stood with Pakistan like a rock.” The talks align with D-8 commitments. Earlier Cairo sidelines meeting set the stage. Sharif invited Prabowo, who accepted. This builds momentum for ASEAN dialogue partnership.
Background
Diplomatic ties date to 1950, predating independence. Quaid-e-Azam Jinnah backed Indonesia’s freedom struggle. Indonesia aided Pakistan in 1965. Relations span politics, economy, and culture. Bilateral trade grew 15 per cent yearly since 2020. Challenges include non-tariff barriers. CPEC offers investment sites for Indonesian firms. Over 10,000 Pakistanis study in Indonesia.
Shared moderate Islam promotes tolerance. Both nations host 200 million Muslims. Joint UN votes on Gaza exceed 90 per cent alignment. These Shehbaz Sharif Indonesia talks revive 2018 Widodo visit pledges. They counter regional isolation amid India ties.
What’s Next
Follow-up committees activate MoUs by January 2026. Trade ministers meet in February. Anniversary events launch in March across capitals. Pakistan eyes $1 billion Halal exports. Indonesia plans $300 million IT investments. Enhanced ties could stabilise South Asian supply chains. Shehbaz Sharif Indonesia talks signal deeper integration. They promise prosperity for 400 million citizens.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, December 9th, 2025
Follow SouthAsianDesk on X, Instagram, and Facebook for insights on business and current affairs from across South Asia.
