Business Desk 
Oct 08, 2024
Direct air-flight operations between Pakistan and Indonesia are set to begin, as the International Creatives Exchange (ICE) and a primordial Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies (ASITA) recently signed a memorandum (MoU) at Al Barkat Palace, South Jakarta on Monday to streamline the air operations and strengthen tourism ties between both of the countries.
This significant step would certainly foster improved relations between both countries, as the MoU comprises 11 points to boost tourism for the two incredible countries and let the natives of each country witness the beauty of natural landscapes.
ICE Chairman Atta Ul Karim expressed gratitude and said “I was born in Pakistan, but grew up and became successful in Indonesia. So, I have to thank the two countries. One of the best ways for it is by continuously trying in all possible ways to improve tourism in the two brotherly countries.”
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Meanwhile, ASITA President Mrs.Rusmiati also expressed pleasure, as Pakistan is one of the least appreciated countries in terms of tourism, while it consists of an outstanding potential with scenic places to visit that are no exception including Hunza, Shogran, Azad Kashmir, Swat, Gilgit-Baltistan, and more.
Mrs Rusmiati stated: “Many countries have collaborated with ASITA, but Pakistan has not had any. Its natural beauty is beyond imagination, even compared to Switzerland or New Zealand.”
“Pakistan also has similarities with Indonesia as the two largest Muslim countries in the world, so it’s a very good package to sell,” Rusmiati added.
Top officials of both countries were present to witness the MoU signing ceremony including the Indonesian Vice President’s daughter Mrs Siti Nur Azizah and the Indonesian Embassy in Islamabad’s Charge d’Affaires Mr. Rahmat Hindiarta Kusuma.
Mrs Aziza wished to strengthen the relations between the tourism industries of both countries and said: “I wish it could be an access to build further levels of the long-standing friendly bilateral relations.”
While Kusuma in conversation with APP in Jakarta (Indonesia) said: “As an Indonesian living in Pakistan, I enjoy wonderful natural landscapes in Pakistan.”
He further highlighted that the distinctive culture of Pakistan appeals to him including that the Pakistanis are also extremely respectful towards foreigners, hoping that this recently taken measure would unlock the extraordinary potential of countries to witness and open doors for direct flights between Pakistan and Indonesia.
