President Prabowo Subianto and Russian leader Vladimir Putin are exploring a bilateral visa-free travel scheme to expand connectivity and deepen relations, Indonesian Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya said Thursday.
During a bilateral meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow on Wednesday (Dec 10), the two presidents discussed cooperation across multiple sectors, including energy, industry, agriculture, research, science, and technology transfer.
“President Putin also raised humanitarian and tourism cooperation, supported by direct flights and a possible visa-free policy,” Teddy said in Jakarta.
Putin also highlighted potential cooperation between Indonesia and the Eurasian Economic Union.
“He praised Indonesia’s full BRICS membership and raised the prospect of a free trade agreement between Indonesia and the EAEU,” Teddy added.
Prabowo arrived in Moscow on Wednesday after completing an official visit to Islamabad, Pakistan. The two leaders met for three hours inside the Kremlin.
In the talks, Putin voiced Russia’s support for Indonesia’s plan to develop nuclear power plants and pledged assistance for broader industrial development.
“If Indonesia decides to involve Russia, we are always ready to help,” Putin told Prabowo.
He said Russia sees numerous opportunities for joint projects with Indonesia, particularly in manufacturing and agriculture.
Putin also offered condolences for the Nov 25 flash floods and landslides in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, which killed nearly 1,000 people and left hundreds missing.
“Thank you, we have managed the situation well,” Prabowo replied.
Prabowo invited Putin to visit Indonesia, and the Russian leader accepted. “Thank you. I will certainly come, with great pleasure,” Putin said.
Prabowo was accompanied at the Kremlin by Foreign Minister Sugiono and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya. Putin was joined by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and senior Russian officials.
After the Moscow visit, Prabowo was set to return to Indonesia, Teddy said.
According to information circulated among reporters, the president is expected to fly directly to Sumatra to inspect disaster-response efforts and lead a coordination meeting with ministers and agency heads.
Editor : Taufik
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