Head of Public Relations Bureau at the Defense Ministry Edwin Adrian Sumantha, when contacted here on Sunday, stated that the visit is aimed at strengthening cooperation between Indonesia and China, especially in defense.
“This visit is part of the two countries’ continuous efforts to strengthen dialogues and strategic cooperation that are very important for regional security and stability,” he said.
Prabowo departed from Jakarta for Beijing on Sunday. His visit to China is scheduled to end on Tuesday (April 2).
During his visit, the minister is accompanied by several officials, among others, the Director General of Defense Strategies at the Defense Ministry, Bambang Trisnohadi, and the Director General of Defense Plans at the Defense Ministry, Supo Dwi Diantara.
Prabowo’s planned visit to China was first announced by Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian during a press conference on Friday (March 29). According to him, Prabowo’s visit was at the invitation of President Xi.
Lin, in an official release from the Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry, underscored that China was the first country to be visited by Prabowo after he was elected as president. This, he said, reflects strong relations between Indonesia and China.
According to him, the visit is a big opportunity to improve traditional friendships, deepen strategic cooperation, and synergize development strategies to set a good example for developing nations.
President Xi, in an official presidential letter dated March 20, 2024, congratulated Prabowo after his victory in the 2024 General Elections was announced by the General Elections Commission (KPU).
The letter was delivered by the Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia Lu Kang at the office of the Defense Ministry in Jakarta on March 21, 2024.
In his letter, Xi stated that he is ready to cooperate with Prabowo to bring the Indonesian-Chinese community to progress.
Translator: Genta Tenri, Raka Adji
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
Copyright © ANTARA 2024
