Asian solidarity

Indonesian President Joko Widodo became the second Indonesian head of state to address a joint sitting of parliament in Pakistan. During his address, President Widodo emphasised the need for stable democracies across all Asian countries and observed that democracy alone can help with development. Widodo also mentioned the high toll taken by terrorism on Muslim countries which have borne the main brunt of such attacks. He suggested a plan to work together against extremism. In addition to addressing parliament, President Widodo also met Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Saturday with talks between the two delegations reportedly covering a wide range of issues on trade, economic cooperation and other matters. Indonesia’s rate of growth since the 1960s has been hailed as a role model for the developing world, and it has stood among the so-called Asian tiger states as a leader. As such Pakistan stands to benefit in many ways from developing closer relations with the nation which has consistently spoken of policies driven independently of foreign control. It should also be noted that at the present time, as Pakistan’s foreign policy evolves and develops in new directions, the country should be looking to develop new alliances. Southeast Asia is certainly one direction we can move towards. We must hope that the two-day visit of President Widodo and the MOUs which are to be signed on this occasion will help in this. Prime Minister Abbasi has already made it clear that Pakistan is eager to look beyond its traditional alliances and develop new friendships in a world where it has too frequently appeared to be isolated.

Like Pakistan, Indonesia has waged its own struggle with militancy and ethnic conflicts. It has been able to a considerable extent to successfully battle these problems. But the struggle continues and linking up with countries like Pakistan could help build a strong Asian bloc to stand against terror. Indeed this is a desperate need at a time when smaller countries need to develop independent alliances and combat a uni-polar world led by a hostile US. With its vast population, Indonesia also has a great deal to offer in terms of markets and trade. We hope the visit by President Widodo will assist in taking forward the efforts to create better relations and closer harmony on all matters which concern Asia and the countries scattered across the diverse continent.