Indonesian naval chief Dr Muhammad Ali on Monday called on Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, who reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to strengthening its ties with Jakarta, the military’s media wing said.

According to a statement from Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), matters of mutual interest, regional security and bilateral defence cooperation were discussed during the meeting.

“The two sides expressed satisfaction over the existing military-to-military relations and reaffirmed their resolve to further strengthen cooperation, particularly in the domains of professional training, defence collaboration and joint exercises,” the statement read.

The ISPR added that CDF Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its “longstanding and brotherly relations” with Indonesia, significantly in the defence and security spheres.

Admiral Ali “appreciated the professionalism of Pakistan Armed Forces and acknowledged their contributions towards regional peace and stability”, the statement concluded.

In January this year, Indonesia expressed its desire to further expand defence ties with Pakistan across multiple domains when the country’s Defence Minister Lieutenant General (retd) Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin called on CDF Munir in Rawalpindi.

“The meeting focused on matters of mutual interest, evolving regional and global security dynamics, and exploration of avenues for enhancing bilateral defence cooperation,” the ISPR said in a statement published then.

CDF Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to fostering a strong and enduring defence relationship with Indonesia, based on shared values, mutual respect, and convergence of strategic interests, it said.

Separately, President Asif Ali Zardari conferred Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military) upon the Indonesian naval chief, the Presidency said.

The award, presented during a ceremony at President House, recognised Ali’s “contribution to the promotion of relations between the two navies”.

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, parliamentarians and members of the diplomatic community were among those present on the occasion.

In his meeting with Admiral Ali, President Zardari noted that Pakistan and Indonesia enjoyed “enduring and fraternal relations and stressed the need to further strengthen cooperation between the two navies”.

He noted there was “immense potential in the blue economy and mutual development of the maritime sector, which needs to be harnessed”.

The president appreciated the regular participation of the Indonesian Navy in exercises organised by the Pakistan Navy.

Admiral Ali was accompanied by Ambassador of Indonesia Lt Gen (retired) Chandra W. Sukotjo. Admiral Ashraf and Senator Saleem Mandviwalla were also present during the meeting.

Lebanese interior minister calls on CDF Munir

Field Marshal Munir also received Lebanon’s Minister of Interior and Municipalities Ahmad Al Hajjar during the latter’s two-day visit to Pakistan, ISPR said in a separate statement.

Both sides discussed matters of mutual interest, the evolving regional security environment and the prospects for further enhancing bilateral relations in the security domain.

“The importance of strengthening institutional linkages and fostering greater cooperation between the two countries’ security institutions was also emphasised,” the statement added.

“COAS & CDF reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Lebanon and expressed the desire to further expand mutually beneficial cooperation in areas of shared interest.”

Al Hajjar expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s contributions to regional peace and stability, according to ISPR. He also acknowledged the professionalism and sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces in the fight against terrorism.