ISLAMABAD, AUG 17 (DNA): President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday extended felicitations to the President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto, the Government and the people of Indonesia on their Independence Day, annually observed on August 17.

The president, in his letter to the Indonesian president, stated that this historic occasion commemorated the spirit, resilience and determination of the Indonesian people as well as the leadership of the nation’s founding fathers in their struggle for freedom and independence.

President Zardari highlighted that Pakistan and Indonesia enjoyed close and friendly relations founded on shared history, mutual trust, common faith and cooperation at bilateral, regional and international levels.

He noted that over the years, the two countries had continued to expand collaboration across a wide range of areas including trade, investment, defence, health, education and people-to-people exchanges.

President Zardari expressed confidence that the momentum generated by President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to Pakistan last year would further deepen cooperation between the two countries for their mutual benefit.

He conveyed his best wishes for the continued peace, progress and prosperity of the people of Indonesia.