"Fiji has been a good friend to Indonesia and has been Indonesia's important partner in the Pacific region," he noted in a press conference after a meeting with Prime Minister of Fiji Sitiveni Rabuka at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Thursday.
Prabowo explained that diplomatic relations between the two countries had been established since 1919.
He affirmed that the two countries share similarities as archipelagic countries as well as similar interests and challenges.
The president remarked that both Indonesia and Fiji uphold the principles of mutual respect between nations, including the principles of sovereignty, independence, and equal rights.
Both countries also have the same challenges in realizing a good and prosperous life for their people.
At Thursday's meeting, Prabowo said that Indonesia and Fiji face the same challenges in climate change and rising sea levels.
Related news: Indonesia invites Fiji to conduct joint military exercise
President Prabowo Subianto received the official visit of Prime Minister Rabuka at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Thursday, marking the first official visit from a leader of the country.
The visit of Prime Minister Rabuka and his delegation to Indonesia marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Fiji.
The prime minister and his entourage arrived at the Merdeka Palace at around 10:30 a.m. Western Indonesia Time (WIB), welcomed by the guard of honor, cavalry troops, and elementary students waving the national flags of Indonesia and Fiji.
At the meeting, the two countries are committed to strengthening cooperation in various fields, such as politics, defense, and the economy.
Prabowo invited Fiji to conduct a joint military exercise in Indonesia as part of the bilateral defense cooperation. He also encouraged Fiji to send its youth to study in Indonesia.
Related news: Prabowo invites young Fijians to pursue education in Indonesia
Translator: Fathur R, Mentari D, Raka Adji
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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