Indonesian, Chinese presidents agree to enhance strategic partnership

Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto expressed his commitment to improving bilateral relations for the sake of prosperity and stability in Asia, at a meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping on Saturday (Nov. 9).

 

Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – At a meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping, Saturday (Nov. 9), Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto expressed his commitment to improving bilateral relations for the sake of prosperity and stability in Asia.

President Prabowo believes that relations between the two countries would create a conducive atmosphere in the Asian region, according to the Indonesian Cabinet Secretariat in a written statement as quoted by Indonesia Window on Sunday.

As part of the increasingly strong relationship, the head of state also called China Indonesia’s main strategic economic partner and one of the largest investors in the country.

During his visit to China, Prabowo also said he was scheduled to attend a meeting between the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and a number of Chinese companies to sign investment agreements worth more than 10 billion US dollars.

“This is a very significant achievement in our relationship, reflecting the comprehensive strategic partnership that we have built for more than a decade,” President Prabowo noted.

He likewise expressed his gratitude to President Xi for the special welcome, considering that this meeting took place at the weekend.

“I am very grateful for President Xi’s welcome, especially on Saturday evening, as President Xi still received me with a state ceremony,” he said.

This meeting is an opportunity for the two leaders to strengthen the Indonesia-China relationship that has been going on for several centuries.

President Prabowo emphasized that not only is China seen as a great power, but also as a great civilization that has long been intertwined with Indonesia.

“We have been living side by side for centuries, and our cultures and societies have been interconnected for many years,” the president explained.

The president also recalled the moment of his previous meeting with President Xi last April, when he was still serving as Indonesia’s minister of defense.

During that meeting, President Xi welcomed Prabowo with a high honor, which was considered a symbol of China’s respect for the Indonesian people.

“I was very surprised, because I only asked for a short meeting as Minister of Defense, but President Xi accepted and gave me great honor,” he recalled.

Furthermore, President Prabowo appreciated the presence of the special envoy from China at his inauguration, which was considered a form of respect for Indonesia.

He emphasized that in the current geopolitical and geo-economic situation, a close partnership between Indonesia and China is something natural.

“The two countries have now become close partners in various fields,” President Prabowo pointed out.

Reporting by Indonesia Window