ISLAMABAD, JAN 27 (DNA) – Indonesian President Joko Widodo was welcomed on Saturday by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on his arrival at PM House in Islamabad.

National anthems of both the countries were played oin the occasion. Smartly-turned-out contingents of armed forces presented guard of honour to the President.

JF-17 Thunder jets also displayed a spectacular fly past while presenting salute to the Indonesian President.

The welcome ceremony was also attended by ministers from both the countries.

Earlier, President Widodo also addressed the Joint Session of the Parliament and called for a firm commitment to democracy as it is the only way to serve interests of the people.

This is the first visit of President Widodo to Pakistan. In 2012, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono visited Pakistan to attend D-8 Summit. President Mamnoon Hussain participated in the Extraordinary Summit of OIC on Palestine and Al Quds Shareef in Jakarta in March 2016.

Pakistan and Indonesia enjoy close historical and cordial relations. Indonesia is the 8th largest trading partner of Pakistan and the largest trading partner in the ASEAN region. Pakistan’s bilateral trade with Indonesia stands around US$ 2.1 billion annually.

Pakistan is one of the largest importers of Indonesian palm oil. Bilateral trade is expected to grow manifold with grant of duty free access to 20 tariff lines from Pakistan for export to Indonesia under the ambit of Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA). During recent years, bilateral political, parliamentary, economic, defence and people to people contacts have seen a substantial increase.