President Prabowo joins ASEAN leaders at summit gala dinner

Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto joined Southeast Asian leaders in a gala dinner hosted by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday as part of the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, the Philippines, to strengthen regional solidarity.

Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya said the dinner was part of the ASEAN Summit agenda to strengthen regional solidarity amid global dynamics.

"The President's presence was part of the ASEAN Summit agenda to strengthen regional solidarity and cooperation amid global and regional dynamics," Teddy said in a statement on Saturday.

He noted that the president wore a barong tagalog, the Philippine national attire, as a gesture of respect for the host country.

The outfit also featured embroidery inspired by Indonesian batik motifs, reflecting cultural harmony and friendship between Indonesia and the Philippines.

Teddy said the gala dinner was held in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

"A warm and friendly atmosphere marked the gala dinner, including when ASEAN leaders enjoyed traditional Filipino cultural performances and held informal conversations on the sidelines of the summit," he said.

Other leaders attending the dinner included Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, and Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung.

Prabowo attended the gala dinner after participating in a series of summit meetings, including plenary and retreat sessions.

The president is scheduled to continue working visits to North Sulawesi and Gorontalo on Saturday.