BEIJING: Minister of Defense (Menhan) Prabowo Subianto met with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a courtesy visit at the Great Hall of the People, Beijing, China, Monday (1 April).
Minister of Defense Prabowo conveyed warm greetings from President Joko Widodo.
“With great gratitude, I express my appreciation for the warm welcome to me and the delegation. I also want to extend the warm greetings from the President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo,” said Minister of Defense Prabowo as quoted in a press release from the Ministry of Defense.
During the meeting, Prabowo expressed his commitment to continue President Jokowi’s policy towards China, as well as continuing the one China policy
The president-elect also expressed his desire to learn from the experience of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
President Xi himself congratulated Prabowo on his victory in the 2024 presidential election.
Xi expressed his joy because China was the first country Prabowo visited after being elected president of Indonesia.
“China welcomes Prabowo’s step in choosing China as his first visit after being elected as president of Indonesia.
Prabowo appreciates the results achieved by the Chinese people under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, and is willing to learn from the experience of the Chinese Communist Party and deepen exchanges in state management, said a press statement from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Minister of Defense also expressed his hope to continue to progressively implement the action plan to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between Indonesia and China.
“I see China as one of the key partners in ensuring peace and stability in the region. I am also committed to meeting the needs of the main equipment for Indonesia’s defense system (alutsista), including increasing defense industry cooperation, productive dialogue and cooperation between dimensions,” added Defense Minister Prabowo.
President Xi Jinping emphasized China’s commitment to enhancing comprehensive strategic cooperation with Indonesia, reflecting China’s desire to strengthen bilateral relations in various aspects, including defense, economy and security.
The 70-year-old president also emphasized the importance of cooperation between China and Indonesia in maintaining maritime security in the Southeast Asia region.
Apart from that, China also reiterated its readiness to deepen maritime cooperation with Indonesia as a step to strengthen relations between the two countries in the maritime sector.
