KARACHI, July 13: Indonesia and Pakistan have been enjoying exemplary friendly relations and both the countries share the same views on important global and regional issues. This was stated by the Ambassador of Indonesia to Pakistan, Anwar Santoso, here on Wednesday evening. He was speaking at a seminar held at a local hotel under the auspices of Pakistan Indonesia Friendship Society, Karachi.

The Indonesian envoy said the people of the two countries love and respect each other which is a must for the promotion of long lasting relations.

In this regard, he especially mentioned the tremendous support from the Pakistani friends after the Tsunami disaster.

Anwar Santoso said people from all walks of life, including children, students, businessmen and organizations, donated in cash and kind and expressed deep sympathies with the victims of Tsunami which provided strength at that difficult time.

He also expressed deep sorrow and grief at the trains mishap near Ghotki, Sindh, on Wednesday morning.

The envoy also believed that it is the time for two countries to accelerate the pace of cooperation and bridge the gap in various fields for the benefit of the people of our two countries.

He said that the economic ties and bilateral cooperation between Indonesia and Pakistan have continued to strengthen over the years.

The Asia-Africa Conference held in Bandung in April this year was a significant landmark for the achievement of these goals.

Anwar Santoso pointed out that political stability is quite visible in Indonesia and Pakistan where the democracy is moving at a steady pace.

He believed that active regional cooperation is the need of the time and the corporate sector of Indonesia and Pakistan should take immediate steps to help enhance trade and economic cooperation to enable greater contact among private sectors in contributing towards increased flows of trade and investment.

The envoy pointed out that the atmosphere for investment and joint ventures has never been so conducive. Both the countries have realized the importance of enhancing the trade ties and the process of negotiations is under way to sign a treaty for Comprehensive Economic Partnership for the mutual benefit of their people.

He said that another significant development for expanding and strengthening of mutual economic ties is joint commission meeting which is likely to be held in August or September this year in Jakarta.

Federal Minister for Cabinet Division, Mahmood Ali, said that some 100 Afro Asian countries should join hands to further their common interests.

He believed that the developing countries, including Muslims and non-Muslims, should move forward by forging unity.

Mahmood Ali said it is believed that 40pc of the people live below poverty line around the globe but in fact this percentage ranges between 70pc to 80 per cent.

President of PIFS Karachi, Mahmoodul Aziz, presented the welcome address. The Consul General of Indonesia in Karachi, Entjim Herrianto, was also present.—APP