Pakistan, Indonesia review economic ties

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Indonesia have expressed commitment to continue collaborating through the Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism and Policy Planning Dialogue.

The decision was taken during the first meeting of the Bilateral Consultative Forum between the ministries of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan and Indonesia, held in Jakarta. The Forum reviewed the whole spectrum of bilateral relations including political, defence, security, economy, and consular matters, and it was agreed to translate the existing goodwill into concrete measures, according to a message from Pakistan embassy in Jakarta.

The Pakistani delegation was led by additional secretary (Asia Pacific) Syed Zulfiqar Gardezi, whereas the Indonesian side was represented by Asia Pacific and African Affairs director general Desra Percaya.

The two sides discussed increased-high level exchanges over the coming months. To increase people-to-people contacts, the Pakistan side emphasised on facilitating travel through easing visa restrictions on Pakistani nationals. Both sides noted that the upcoming review under the preferential trade agreement (PTA) discussion provided a good opportunity between Indonesia and Pakistan to foster bilateral trade relations.

It was agreed to hold the Second Meeting of Bilateral Consultative Forum at a mutually convenient date in Pakistan during 2018. Besides reviewing the current state of bilateral relations, both sides exchanged views on regional and global issues including South Asia and the ASEAN region.

Gardezi also held a meeting with Foreign Affairs vice minister AM Fachir and separate discussions with ASEAN deputy secretary general Hirubalan VP on ways to enhance Pakistan-ASEAN engagement.