Red carpet rolled out for Indonesian president

ISLAMABAD:

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto arrived on Monday to a red-carpet welcome for a two-day official visit, at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Upon his arrival at Nur Khan Airbase, the Indonesian president was warmly received by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz, along with the cabinet members and senior officials.

A smartly turned-out contingent of the Presidential Bodyguard presented a static salute to the visiting dignitary, who was accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising key ministers and senior officials.

Clad in national dresses, two children presented bouquets to the guest after a 21-gun salute boomed in the backdrop to herald his arrival. A group of children was also lined up along the red carpet, waving the buntings of both Pakistan and Indonesia.

The main avenues and intersections of the federal capital were decorated with the flags of both countries, along with the portraits of the visiting dignitary.

This is President Prabowo’s first visit to Pakistan since assuming office, as the last presidential visit from Indonesia was undertaken by the then-President Joko Widodo in 2018.

During his stay, President Prabowo will hold delegation-level talks with the Prime Minister Shehbaz, and meet President Asif Ali Zardari. The Chief of Army Staff and the Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir will also call on President Prabowo.

Several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) are expected to be signed during the visit.

The visit carries added significance as it coincides with the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Indonesia.

The two sides will discuss a wide-ranging agenda aimed at further strengthening Pakistan-Indonesia relations and exploring new avenues of cooperation, including trade, investment, defence, health, IT, climate, education and culture, as well as enhancing collaboration at regional and global levels.