Paris became President Prabowo's next destination after completing his agenda at the 2026 World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, on Thursday (January 22) local time.
"I am glad today to welcome Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Paris today," the French president stated in a joint social media post with his Indonesian counterpart, as observed here on Saturday.
Prabowo's visit to Paris on Friday, conducted upon a banquet invitation from Macron, was his second as the president had visited the French capital in 2025.
"Together, we strengthen strategic cooperation connecting Indonesia and France in various sectors," according to the leaders in their joint post.
The two leaders also reiterated their commitment to "align their views on global and international issues that France is committed to advancing within the framework of its G7 presidency."
However, the two leaders did not provide further details about their “alignment of views” on international issues, particularly given that the two countries have diverged in their approaches to the Board of Peace initiative proposed by United States President Donald Trump.
Indonesia decided to accept Trump's invitation to join the Board of Peace, and President Prabowo inked the Board of Peace Charter during the signing ceremony on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos on Thursday.
Meanwhile, French President Macron decided to reject the Board of Peace membership offer over concerns that the organization may sideline the United Nations in efforts to restore stability and peace in the Gaza Strip.
Upon hearing reports that Macron will not join his initiative, the US President even threatened to impose tariffs on French wine and champagne. "I'll put a 200% tariff on his wines and champagnes, and he'll join," Trump said, as reported by Anadolu.
The French government is also concerned that the Board of Peace may function beyond the framework of Gaza alone, raising major questions regarding respect for the principles and structures of the United Nations.
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Translator: Genta Tenri M, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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