Karachi: First Lady of Pakistan, Her Excellency Ms. Asifa Bhutto Zardari, received the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Chandra Warsenanto Sukotjo, at Bilawal House, Karachi, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the longstanding ties between Pakistan and Indonesia.
Welcoming the Ambassador and his spouse, the First Lady congratulated him on the successful organisation of the Pakistan-Indonesia Investment Forum in Karachi and appreciated his efforts to enhance bilateral economic cooperation.She said Pakistan and Indonesia enjoy a historic friendship based on mutual respect, shared values, and close collaboration. Recalling the enduring relationship between Indonesia’s founding President Dr. Ir. Sukarno and former Prime Minister Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, she noted that their shared vision for Asian solidarity and global justice continues to inspire stronger bilateral relations.
The meeting focused on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, education, healthcare, technology transfer, vaccine development, women’s entrepreneurship, tourism, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people contacts.The First Lady highlighted Indonesia’s importance as a key market for Pakistan’s premium rice exports and welcomed ongoing efforts to revive the Government-to-Government rice cooperation framework. She also emphasized continued collaboration in palm oil and other agricultural sectors for the mutual benefit of both countries.Expressing interest in learning from Indonesia’s successful experience in family planning and population management, she also called for greater cooperation in healthcare, including vaccine development, technology transfer, and Pakistan’s polio eradication efforts.
Ambassador Chandra Warsenanto Sukotjo briefed the First Lady on his recent visit to Sindh, praising the province’s agricultural, economic, and investment potential. He reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to expanding cooperation in trade, agriculture, palm oil, rice, investment, healthcare, and cultural exchanges.During the meeting, the Ambassador presented the First Lady with a commemorative publication featuring historical milestones and infographics highlighting the evolution of Pakistan-Indonesia relations.Concluding the meeting, First Lady Asifa Bhutto Zardari conveyed her warm greetings and best wishes to the Government and people of Indonesia, expressing confidence that the enduring friendship between the two nations would continue to flourish through deeper cooperation across diverse sectors.
