During a bilateral meeting with President Prabowo at the Bogor Presidential Palace on Saturday, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba expressed his intent to support Prabowo's nutritious meal program.
"Japan will organize cooperation efforts, including training for the school lunch provision program, training experts, and assisting in improving the fisheries and agriculture sectors based on Japan's experience," PM Ishiba noted in a joint statement with President Prabowo at the Teratai Room of the Bogor Presidential Palace.
PM Ishiba reaffirmed Japan's commitment to participating in the free nutritious meal program to assist President Prabowo's government in tackling malnutrition among certain Indonesian children.
In response, President Prabowo expressed his appreciation for Japan's willingness to participate.
"They (Japan) are also interested in supporting the nutritious meal program because they have 80 years of experience in this area, and their assistance can include training and other forms of support," he remarked.
In addition to supporting the nutritious meal program, both nations agreed to collaborate in sectors such as industrialization, energy, maritime issues, and defense.
PM Ishiba and his wife, Yoshiko Ishiba, visited the Bogor Palace on Saturday, where they were welcomed by President Prabowo in a ceremonial troop procession.
After the welcome ceremony, which included cannon salutes, President Prabowo and PM Ishiba held a one-on-one meeting at the President's office. They then participated in a bilateral meeting with their respective delegations.
PM Ishiba became the first foreign leader welcomed by President Prabowo at the Bogor Palace since he officially assumed office as Indonesia's President on October 20, 2024.
PM Ishiba's visit to Indonesia is part of his Southeast Asia tour that commenced on January 9, which also included a visit to Malaysia. PM Ishiba is scheduled to return to Tokyo on Saturday afternoon.
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Translator: Genta M, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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