Saint Petersburg, Russia, Indonesianpost.com – Reported by Antara, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed their countries’ growing bilateral ties during a meeting at the Konstantinovsky Palace in St. Petersburg on Thursday.
President Prabowo expressed his gratitude for Russia’s support in advancing Indonesia’s full membership in BRICS, the group of emerging economies that includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, as well as new members.
“I deeply appreciate Russia’s assistance in facilitating Indonesia’s full membership in BRICS in such a short period,” President Prabowo said to President Putin.
He also highlighted the significant progress in Indonesia-Russia relations, especially since his inauguration in October 2024.
“Our relationship has flourished. Senior Russian officials have visited Indonesia, and I’ve had the chance to meet Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov this year,” Prabowo noted.
For his part, President Putin warmly welcomed President Prabowo and expressed optimism about expanding cooperation in various sectors, particularly defense and space.
Read Also: Sama Afshar Condemns Israeli Attacks: “Iran Is Under Attack, the World Must Not Stay Silent”
“We see many opportunities and immense potential for collaboration,” Putin remarked.
He also expressed hope that Indonesia’s membership in BRICS would contribute meaningfully to the economic bloc.
The meeting began with a 10-minute tête-à-tête between the two leaders, followed by a bilateral session with their respective delegations.
President Prabowo was accompanied by several Indonesian officials, including Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, and Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan.
Other members of the Indonesian delegation included Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman, Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid, Minister of Investment and Downstreaming Rosan Perkasa Roeslani, Minister of Higher Education Brian Yuliarto, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia, and Pertamina President Director Simon Aloysius Mantiri.
After the formal meetings, President Putin hosted a luncheon in honor of President Prabowo and his delegation. (BL)