Indonesian envoy lauds Ehsas Program

Islamabad: Though, COVID 19 continues to play havoc with human lives and global economies, nevertheless, simultaneously the damage control efforts are also in full swing to minimize the devastating socio-economic impacts of the pandemic.

To contain and fight off the financial downturn the friendly nations through consultations are identifying ways for mutual cooperation for the enhanced sustainable economic activities between them.

These views were expressed by Ambassador of Indonesia Iwan S Amri during a Webinar with leading Pakistani journalists. Deny Tri Basuki, Counsellor at the Embassy moderated the webinar
Iwan S. Amri, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia further said it was a unique interaction between the Indonesia embassy and the media fraternity on the issue of COVID-19 and assured to continue such interactions.

He said the Indonesian embassy highly valued warm ties with the friends in Pakistani media and acknowledged the role they have been playing in promoting the goodwill between the people of the two countries. Therefore, the prime objective of this meeting is to maintain cordial relations and to discuss in light manner the COVID 19 pandemic socioeconomic impacts on the society.

The ambassador told the Indonesian Embassy in Islamabad had also organized a virtual meeting with the Pakistan Business Council (PBC) which is headquartered in the Pakistani economic hub of Karachi.

He informed the meeting that during the discussion with the PBC he had highlighted the current issues concerning the bilateral economic cooperation between the countries and stressed on the significance of fostering the sustainable bilateral trade relations.

The Envoy believed that the concerted communication and consultations with the various stakeholders in Pakistan will certainly build greater confidence and improve environment for the both countries to uplift trade & investment and other aspects of the bilateral ties.

The Envoy said that bilateral trade and overall economic cooperation between the two countries needed to be elevated and it should be sustainable, equitable and mutually beneficial corresponding to their respective supply &demand potential.

To a question about possibility of air links, the ambassador said they do not have any aviation contract with PIA. However Lion Air of Indonesia wants to start flights from Pakistan and negations with the aviation officials are already underway. Lion Air wants to start from three cities of Pakistan. The plan is still on the table. Let us hope that negotiations between the Lion Air officials and Pakistani aviations officials make some early headway.

The ambassador also talked about steps taken by the Pakistan government for the well being of diplomatic community in Islamabad. He also cited a letter written by the dean of diplomatic corps to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs thanking it for ensuring security of the diplomatic corps.

The ambassador also lauded efforts of Pakistan government for effectively dealing with the COVID 19 situation. He also mentioned latest statement of the WHO chief in which is recognized efforts of Pakistan government in this regard.

Ambassador Amri praised government Ehsas program and they way poor people were helped thru this program. He lauded efforts of the government in this regard. The ambassador also talked about CPEC project and termed it beneficial for the people of Pakistan and this region as well.

The ambassador could not resist himself to praise various packages offered by the government of Pakistan for the people affected by COVID 19. He especially mentioned govt construction and tourism packages. He termed govt decision to open the tourism sector a welcome development.
Ambassador Amri said Indonesia will take part in upcoming virtual Rawal Expo expected take place in August this year. Indonesia has regularly been taking part in Rawal Expo.

Talking about COVID 19 situation in Indonesia the ambassador said like other countries, Indonesia has also suffered due to pandemic. He said nevertheless number of cases in his country was lower as compared to many countries.

The ambassador hoped that situation will soon return to normalcy.