HYDERABAD, Nov 13: It is necessary to ease visa restrictions for boosting bilateral and trade relations between Pakistan and Indonesia, said scholars of international relations and former diplomats.

They expressed these views during a seminar on “Indonesia-Pakistan relations: perspectives and challenges,” organised by the Far East and South East Asia Area Study Centre, University of Sindh, at Jamshoro Campus on Monday.

Speakers recommended cultural promotion through tourism, exhibitions and exchange of artists. They called for holding seminars on poverty alleviation, AIDS prevention and women empowerment.

Economic cooperation through increased trade and joint ventures in industry, agriculture, science and technology were also discussed.

Counsel General of Republic of Indonesia in Karachi Mr Mustakim said it was crucial for the two countries to comprehend their past, review the present and prepare for the future keeping in mind their excellent relationship.

Director of Centre for Policy Planning and Development for Asia Pacific and Africa Region, Department of Foreign Affairs, Jakarta, Ms Marina Estella Anwar Bey said Indonesia and some Asian states had reformed their political and economic agendas in the wake of financial crisis of 1997-98. Multilateral and regional ties had been enhanced with a commitment of mutual support to Asean, Non-Alignment Movement (NAM), Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC), and United Nations (UN), she said.

A researcher Deeni Friawan, at Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Jakarta said establishment of Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) was the best and realistic form of cooperation.

Head of the Department of International Relations, University of Indonesia Dr Hariyadi Wirawan laid stress on enhancing activities in social, cultural and educational fields.

He emphasized on sustainable relations by launching student exchange and scholarship programme and providing opportunities to professors to work in joint venture on research projects and joint journals publication.