Indonesian Defence Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro called on Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf here on Tuesday.
The Prime Minister said that Pakistan greatly values its relations with Indonesia which is rooted in history, religion and culture.
The Prime Minister thanked Indonesia’s government and people for the relief assistance provided during floods. He also appreciated Indonesia’s support for Pakistan in attaining Full Dialogue Partnership with ASEAN.
The Prime Minister emphasized that cooperation in the field of defence between Pakistan and Indonesia should commensurate with the friendly and cordial bilateral relations existing between the countries. He also stated that Pakistan and Indonesia have developed their defence production capabilities to a fairly advanced level and that meaningful collaboration can be made through knowledge sharing.
The Prime Minister said that the current visit of Indonesian Defence Minister will help in defence collaboration between the two countries.
The Indonesian Minister of Defence who has also been the Minister of Mining and Power evinced keen interest in the energy sector.
The Prime Minister said that Pakistan presents a great potential to investors in the energy sector. Pakistan, the Prime Minister said, would like to learn and benefit from the expertise Indonesia has gained in running Thermal Power Plants on coal. The vast reserves of coal in Thar and the policy of the government to convert Thermal Power Plants run on oil to coal presents a great opportunity for cooperation between the two countries, said the Prime Minister.
The Defence Minister of Indonesia commended the government of Pakistan on its efforts to combat terrorism. The sacrifices and contribution made by Pakistan in its fight against terrorism as a frontline state must be recognized by the international community.
The Prime Minister expressed the hope that the present visit of the Defence Minister of Indonesia will further strengthen the existing brotherly and friendly relations between the two countries.
The Prime Minister asked the Indonesian Defence Minister to convey his best wishes to the President and the Prime Minister of Indonesia.
