President of Indonesia Joko Widodo Friday said the conflicts and wars would benefit no one as people become its major victims and called for unity to maintain peace and stability in the region.
“Conflicts and wars will benefit no one. I repeat, conflicts and wars will benefit no one. The people, mainly women and children always become the most impacted ones in conflicts and wars,” President Widodo said addressing the joint-sitting of the Parliament here soon after his arrival.
President Widodo is on his first visit to Pakistan along with a delegation comprising ministers and the businessmen.
The session was chaired by National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and attended by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Senate Chairman Mian Raza Rabbani, three services chiefs, besides the parliamentarians.
President Widodo is the second President of Indonesia to address the joint sitting as First Indonesian President Dr Ahmed Soekarno had addressed the National Assembly of Pakistan on June 26, 1963.
President Widodo is the 17th foreign dignitary to address the National Assembly and Senate’s joint-sitting.
The others who addressed the sitting included leaders from Iran, Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Palestine, France, China, Britain, Turkey.
The Indonesian president said besides impacting the people, the conflicts and wars also destroyed the values of humanity.
Widodo, who started his speech with slogan of Pakistan Zindabad (Long Live Pakistan), also strongly advocated for democracy believing that “Democracy is the best way serving our peoples’ interests.
Democracy provides the space for the people in decision-making process.
Indonesia's President Joko Widodo called for a firm commitment to democracy terming it "the only way to serve interests of the people," .
Widodo, who is in Pakistan on a two-day visit, said democracy provides space for people in decision-making process, "helps maintain political stability and achieve growth".
"Economy of a country or a region can (only) grow if there is political stability and security," he said.
Referring to the challenges of terrorism, he said no country was immune to it. "Muslims are the biggest victim of terrorism, 76 per cent of terrorist attacks took place in Muslim countries. Besides, 60 per cent of armed conflicts happened in Muslim countries and 67 per cent refugees come from Muslim countries," Widodo explained.
Earlier in the day, the Indonesia’s president arrived in Islamabad where he was received by his Pakistani counterpart President Mamnoon Hussain.
A 21-gun salute heralded the arrival of President Widodo as he landed at Nur Khan Airbase, accompanied by First Lady Iriana Widodo, ministers, and a business delegation.
President Hussain will hold a state banquet for the visiting dignitary.
According to Foreign Office, President Widodo's visit will contribute towards strengthening existing fraternal ties between the two countries.
