President Prabowo’s motorcade arrived at the palace around 1:55 p.m. local time, as shown in a video broadcast by the Presidential Secretariat’s YouTube channel on Thursday.
Wearing a black suit and peci hat, President Prabowo shook hands with Putin, who then invited him to take a seat. Also present were Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya.
"I would like to extend my gratitude for this invitation and for today’s remarkable reception extended to me and my delegation," Prabowo told Putin through an interpreter.
He also expressed appreciation for the Russian leader’s hospitality during his visit to the Kremlin in July last year, when he served as Indonesia’s defense minister and president-elect.
"This is my first official visit as the President of the Republic of Indonesia," he added.
President Putin welcomed Prabowo to his hometown and recalled their previous meeting.
"Your Excellency, Mr. President, I am very pleased to meet you in Saint Petersburg," Putin said through an interpreter. "We met in Moscow prior to your presidential inauguration last year."
He noted that President Prabowo had been invited to attend the 2025 Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) as a special guest.
On Friday (June 20), President Prabowo is scheduled to deliver a speech at SPIEF, joining other world leaders and global economic stakeholders.
Foreign Minister Sugiono confirmed on Wednesday night (June 18) that the president’s participation in SPIEF would conclude his visit to Russia.
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Translator: Mentari D/Genta T, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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