ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Indonesia have agreed to closely coordinate on ensuring the steady import of palm oil from the latter, which is the world’s biggest exporter of edible oil, as the country reversed its policy.

“The Prime Minister [Shehbaz Sharif] extended a cordial invitation to [Indonesian President Joko Widodo and stated that the people of Pakistan looked forward to welcoming him at the earliest opportunity,” said a statement.

Indonesia started a programme this week to ship one million tonnes of palm oil products, or more, by the end of July after changing its policy, under which the exports were banned from April 28 to May 23 to support domestic prices. Pakistan is dealing with the energy crisis and increasing inflation, amid the rising oil prices and fuel demand.

The consensus between both sides came during a telephonic conversation between PM Shehbaz and Indonesian President Joko Widodo here on Friday. They discussed matters of mutual interest.

Widodo extended felicitations to Shehbaz on the assumption of office. The two leaders discussed the state of bilateral relations between Pakistan and Indonesia, based on a foundation of cultural and religious affinities and growing cooperation.

Jakarta, which accounts for about 60 per cent of global palm oil supply, has adopted the Domestic Market Obligation, a measure aimed at ensuring supply, upon lifting the ban.

PM Shehbaz fondly recalled President Widodo’s visit to Pakistan in 2018 and its substantive outcomes contributing to the strengthening of bilateral economic partnership. The premier also appreciated the Indonesian president’s leadership in steering the country on a path of prosperity.

The two leaders agreed to further expand and deepen mutually-beneficial cooperation in all dimensions, including high-level exchanges. The PM underlined Pakistan’s desire to further promote trade and investments between the two countries. President Widodo reciprocated the sentiment.