Prabowo, Pakistan Envoy Push Broader Cooperation in Economy, Investment, and Defense
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JAKARTA, Investortrust.id — President Prabowo Subianto receives Pakistan Ambassador Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri in Jakarta as both countries outline plans to deepen cooperation across economic, educational, and defense priorities.
Ambassador Zahid said the meeting covered the full spectrum of bilateral relations, including trade expansion, investment collaboration, and programs to strengthen human capital. He added that both governments were committed to advancing cooperation in areas such as small and medium enterprises, health, education, and security.
"We discussed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations between Pakistan and Indonesia and, as I said earlier, all areas of cooperation were discussed. Trade relations, economic relations, investment cooperation between the two countries, human resource development because Pakistan and Indonesia have young populations, small and medium enterprises, education, the health sector were discussed. Of course, defense and security cooperation between our two brotherly countries were discussed," Zahid said.
Zahid noted that Pakistan and Indonesia are two of the world's largest Muslim-majority nations, with Indonesia having the largest Muslim population and Pakistan the second largest. He said their combined demographic weight represents more than a quarter of the global Muslim community, underscoring the strategic rationale for stronger ties.
"So there is a growing realization between the leadership of Pakistan and Indonesia that we need to further strengthen our relations in all areas of cooperation," he said.
Zahid also conveyed warm greetings from the government and people of Pakistan to the President. He said Prabowo responded by extending goodwill and prayers for Pakistan, while reflecting on a relationship that he described as predating the independence of both countries.
"I conveyed to His Excellency President Prabowo Subianto the greetings and best wishes of the government and people of Pakistan. His Excellency reciprocated and conveyed the best wishes and prayers from the people of Indonesia. If we look historically at the friendship and brotherhood between the people of Pakistan and Indonesia, the ties existed even before our two countries," Zahid said.
In a separate briefing after the meeting, Zahid praised Prabowo's leadership and said Indonesians were fortunate to have a president with a long-term national vision.
"Let me say at the outset that the people of Indonesia are fortunate to have a visionary leader like His Excellency President Prabowo Subianto," he said.
Zahid highlighted Prabowo's free nutritious meal program, known nationally as MBG, calling it one of the most progressive and forward-looking policies in the region. He said the program would strengthen student health, expand job opportunities, and support Indonesia's long-term economic foundation.
"In terms of the free meal program of His Excellency President Prabowo Subianto, I must say this is also a very visionary and bold initiative and this will have long-term impacts not only on the health of Indonesian students but also on the Indonesian economy," he said.
He added that the initiative would help shape a healthier and more productive young generation while stimulating employment and economic activity.
"As I mentioned earlier, once again a very visionary and bold decision by His Excellency President Prabowo Subianto," he said.
Zahid closed by reiterating his appreciation, calling Prabowo a statesman who carries a strong national vision.
"Once again I must congratulate the people of the Republic of Indonesia for having a visionary leader, a statesman like His Excellency President Prabowo Subianto," he said.