REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, CAIRO -- Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto held a bilateral meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the St. Regis New Capital Hotel, Cairo, Egypt, on Wednesday (18/12/2024), before the D-8 High Level Conference (Summit). Prabowo received the arrival of PM Shehbaz Sharif and then the two shook hands.
The meeting reflects the commitment of the two countries to strengthen the relationship that has been established over the years. “Thank you very much for this meeting. I always wanted to meet with you. Good relations between Indonesia and Pakistan continue to be established, historically, traditionally. I think we should try to improve our relationship, and I hope to work together,” Prabowo told the Pakistani PM.
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Prabowo's meeting with the Pakistani PM appeared tepid. In his speech to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Prabowo said that Indonesia will work to improve the historically established relations between the two countries.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the meeting with President Prabowo was an honor, and congratulated him on the close friendship that had been established.
“I would like to congratulate on the close friendship between our brothers and sisters in Indonesia. Great country, and our best friend. A history of our relationship that upholds brotherhood and friendship. Our hearts go out to you,” PM Sharif said.
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After the closed-door meeting, the President gave a press statement. During the meeting, the two leaders discussed a number of important agendas related to Indonesia-Pakistan relations. “Just met with the Prime Minister of Pakistan, we also talked about the possibility of cooperation, increased cooperation in economic and trade,” Prabowo said.
Not only with Pakistan, Prabowo also mentioned a number of efforts Indonesia has made to build strong cooperation relations, one of which is by meeting the members of the Developing Eight (D-8) in a High-Level Conference (Summit) forum. “Tomorrow, of course, we will meet with the other members of the D-8. I guess this is in order for us to continue building relationships to look for opportunities in uncertain circumstances so that our respective economies are strong,” he said.
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According to Prabowo, the main focus that Indonesia will bring to the 11th D-8 summit is strengthening the economic cooperation of D-8 member states. The potential for cooperation with different countries will continue to be strengthened for the welfare of the people.
“We are talking about all the possibilities of cooperation. Now our focus is how to strengthen our respective economies. I guess the welfare of the people,” he said.
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