Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Division Aurangzeb Khan Khichi inaugurated the Indonesian Book Corner at the National Library of Pakistan and witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the National Library of Pakistan and the National Library of Indonesia.
The minister noted that the launch holds special importance as Pakistan and Indonesia mark 75 years of diplomatic relations, and said the Indonesian Book Corner will act as a bridge between the peoples of both countries by providing access to Indonesia’s literature, heritage and intellectual traditions. He added that such initiatives strengthen institutions and deepen people to people ties between Islamabad and Jakarta.
Indonesian Ambassador Lt Gen (Ret) Chandra Warsenanto Sukotjo said the new collection includes books and reference materials on Indonesia’s politics, economy, security, culture, tourism, foreign policy, culinary traditions and national development. The ambassador described the MoU signed at the ceremony as a fresh start in institutional cooperation and expressed confidence that tangible outcomes will follow.
The memorandum of understanding between the two national libraries sets out cooperation in areas such as book exchanges, joint cultural activities, training programmes and collaborative research. The minister thanked the Embassy of Indonesia for its support and praised the National Library of Pakistan for promoting international cultural linkages through the Indonesian Book Corner.
The ceremony was attended by the Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Islamabad and Ambassador of Thailand Rongvudi Virabutr, ASEAN ambassadors and high commissioners, Prime Secretary of the National Library of Indonesia Joko Santoso, Director General of the National Library of Pakistan Muhammad Ali Shahzad Muzaffar and other dignitaries. For Pakistani researchers, students and cultural practitioners the Indonesian Book Corner will provide new resources and opportunities for deeper engagement with Indonesia’s history and contemporary developments.
