Jakarta (ANTARA) - Defense Minister and President-elect Prabowo Subianto met with French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss bilateral cooperation and global security issues on Wednesday.
The ministry secretariat general's public relations bureau head, Brigadier General Edwin Adrian Sumantha, said on Thursday that the discussion took place during Prabowo's visit to the Élysée Palace.
Prabowo was welcomed by President Macron and his presidential guard in the Palace's front yard. The two shook hands, had a short conversation, and posed for photographs before holding their discussion.
During the meeting, Prabowo expressed his confidence that President Macron will continue to maintain and enhance Indonesia-French relations, which were established in September 1950.
"We commend His Excellency President Macron for his important and active role in the success of our bilateral relations," Prabowo said.
He also congratulated the French people for hosting the Summer Olympics in Paris from July 24 to August 11, 2024.
"We believe the Olympics will be a huge success, where amazing talents presented by athletes from all parts of the world, and countries united in the spirit of real friendship and competition," he stated.
During his term at the Defense Ministry, Prabowo has been known to actively pursue the acquisition of French-made defense equipment and fighter jets to enhance national defense capability.
Indonesia purchased 42 Rafale and Dassault Aviation fighter jets this year after activating a gradual purchase contract in 2022 and 2023. Indonesia is expected to receive the first Rafale fighter jets purchased through the contract in 2026.
In April 2024, Indonesia announced the purchase of two Scorpene Evolved submarines from the Naval Group. It also acquired 13 GCI (ground control interception) radar systems made by Thales, which will be produced with state-owned PT Len Industri.
