Pakistan-Indonesia relations: First Lady Asifa Bhutto Zardari meets Indonesian ambassador

Pakistan-Indonesia relations came into focus on Wednesday as First Lady Asifa Bhutto Zardari met Indonesian Ambassador Chandra Warsenanto Sukotjo at Bilawal House in Karachi to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

The ambassador, accompanied by his spouse, called on the First Lady following the successful Pakistan-Indonesia Investment Forum held in Karachi. During the meeting, Asifa Bhutto Zardari praised Indonesia’s efforts to boost economic engagement between the two countries.

She said Pakistan and Indonesia enjoy long-standing ties based on mutual respect, shared values and close cooperation. Moreover, she noted that both countries have consistently worked together to promote regional peace, development and prosperity.

The First Lady also recalled the close friendship between Indonesia’s founding President Dr Ir Sukarno and former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. According to her, their relationship strengthened the historic partnership between the two nations.

Meanwhile, both sides discussed expanding cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, education, healthcare, technology transfer, vaccine development, women’s entrepreneurship, tourism and cultural exchanges.

The First Lady highlighted Indonesia’s importance as a major destination for Pakistan’s premium rice exports from Sindh. She also welcomed efforts to revive the government-to-government rice cooperation framework.

Furthermore, she expressed interest in learning from Indonesia’s experience in family planning, population management and healthcare. She also stressed the need to deepen cooperation in vaccine development, technology transfer and Pakistan’s polio eradication programme.

Ambassador Sukotjo briefed the First Lady on his recent visit to Sindh. He said he was impressed by the province’s agricultural, economic and investment potential.

In addition, the ambassador reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening cooperation in trade, agriculture, palm oil, rice, healthcare, investment and cultural exchanges.

He also presented the First Lady with a commemorative publication highlighting the history of Pakistan-Indonesia relations.

Finally, Asifa Bhutto Zardari asked the ambassador to convey her best wishes to the Indonesian government and its people. She expressed confidence that bilateral ties would continue to grow across multiple sectors.