Jakarta – Indonesia’s Minister of Defense and President-elect for the 2024-2029 term, Prabowo Subianto, embarked on an official tour across Europe from July 24 to 31, 2024.
During his trip, Prabowo met with leaders from four countries: French President Emmanuel Macron, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Prabowo’s arrival in each friendly nation was marked by direct receptions and farewells from the respective leaders.
On his first visit to the Elysee Palace on Wednesday, July 24, Prabowo was greeted warmly by French President Emmanuel Macron, who welcomed him as he stepped out of his car.
During their meeting, Prabowo and Macron discussed global security issues and plans to enhance defense cooperation, including modernizing defense equipment, fostering the defense industry, and improving education, training, and dialogue forums.
In addition to meeting Macron, Prabowo’s visit to France included attending the opening of the Paris 2024 Olympics on Saturday, July 27, on behalf of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi). He had the opportunity to meet with FIFA President Gianni Infantino to discuss Indonesia’s efforts to improve football domestically.
On the same day, Prabowo met with International Olympics Committee President Thomas Bach in France, discussing the potential for Indonesia to host the 2036 Olympics.
Following his visit to France, Prabowo flew to Serbia on Monday, July 29, where he met with President Aleksandar Vucic. Their meeting aimed to strengthen political dialogue and promote economic cooperation in all mutually beneficial fields.
Vucic expressed great enthusiasm in meeting Prabowo, sharing five photos of their meeting on his personal Instagram account @buducnostsrbijeav, showcasing a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Vucic also expressed his desire for more cooperation between Serbia and Indonesia.
“With the President-elect of Indonesia and Defense Minister @prabowo, I discussed ways to further develop our traditional friendship and strengthen overall cooperation between Serbia and Indonesia. This visit provides significant incentives to enhance our close relationship,” said Vucic.
On the same day, Prabowo traveled to Turkey to meet with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Prabowo felt honored to be received directly by Erdoğan, extending congratulations on Erdoğan’s recent re-election.
Erdoğan expressed his hope that Prabowo would return to Turkey after his official inauguration as president on October 20, 2024.
“It is a great honor to be received by His Excellency Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of the Republic of Turkey, to discuss our comprehensive bilateral relations,” said Prabowo.
Their discussion covered commitments in defense, including enhancing the capacities of both countries’ armed forces and defense industries.
“With numerous opportunities available, Indonesia is committed to further strengthening its strategic partnership with Turkey,” Prabowo added.
Besides meeting Erdoğan, Prabowo also met with Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler to discuss bilateral defense relations and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to talk about geopolitical situations.
Prabowo’s visit to Turkey continued with a visit to the Ozdemir Bayraktar National Technology Center in Istanbul, known for its innovation and development in defense technology.
Russia was the final stop of Prabowo’s European tour, where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin in Moscow on Wednesday, July 31.
During their meeting, Prabowo and Putin discussed strengthening Indonesia-Russia cooperation in various fields, including education, tourism, food security, and defense.
“My main focus is on food security, energy security, and education,” said Prabowo.
They also explored potential cooperation in nuclear energy. Prabowo mentioned ongoing discussions regarding possible collaboration with Russia.
In the tourism sector, Prabowo expressed support for several Russian initiatives, including plans to open a Russian Consulate General in Bali.
Prabowo also invited Russia to attend a defense exhibition scheduled for November 2024 in Indonesia.