Indonesia offers help in Afghan conflict resolution

ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain and Indonesian president Joko Widodo, on Friday, agreed to work together for peace in Afghanistan for regional development and progress; an official statement said.

According to detail, Widodo, who is on his official visit to Pakistan, mentioned, “Both countries will work together in this regard.”

Widodo said that Indonesia thinks that it can play a positive role in the peace process of Afghanistan.

He commended that Pakistan has played a very significant role in the peace process of Afghanistan. Widodo proposed the establishment of a committee of Indonesian, Afghan and Pakistani Ulemas for this purpose.

Hussain agreed to his proposal.

During the meeting, the two leaders agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation to further strengthen the defence and trade relations.

Both stressed that expanded trade, investment and economic cooperation should be a vital element in their relationship.

Hussain expressed pleasure that activities under the bilateral defence agreement have been started.

He hoped that the joint committee envisaged under the agreement will soon be formed and start implementing the provisions of the agreement.

Hussain stated that new initiatives of army to army talks, navy to navy talks and joint exercises will further boost our cooperation. “Both countries can utilise expertise of each other in defence production,” he said.

Hussain thanked Widodo for Indonesian support to Pakistan’s bid to become full dialogue partner of association of southeast Asian naitons (ASEAN).

Indonesian economy minister Darmin Nasution, foreign minister Retno L.P. Marsudi, trade minister Enggartiasto Lukito, ambassador Iwan Suyudhie Amri while from Pakistani side commerce minister Muhammad Pervaiz Malik, interior minister Ahsan Iqbal, energy minister Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari and other senior officials were present in the meeting.