New chapter in US-Indonesia relations as Prabowo visits White House

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto (left) and Foreign Affairs Minister Sugiono (right) in a press statement after a meeting with members of United States-Indonesia Society (Usindo) in Washington D.C., the United States, on Monday (November 11, 2024). (ANTARA PHOTO/Hafidz Mubarak/spt/rst)

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto met with United States (US) President Joe Biden at the White House on Tuesday afternoon local time as part of a state visit to the US.

During the meeting, the two leaders discussed the strong diplomatic relations between Indonesia and the US.

"Welcome to the White House. It is great to have you here. We are celebrating an important anniversary: the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and the United States," Biden told Prabowo, as quoted from a statement received on Wednesday.

During their meeting, Prabowo thanked Biden for reaching out to him following his victory in the 2024 Presidential Election.

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"Thank you for receiving me. I also want to say thank you. You called me yourself during the (Presidential) Election. Finally, I could visit, and you received me today," Prabowo remarked.

Furthermore, Biden expressed his pride in the strong US-Indonesia partnership and was keen to discuss efforts to strengthen it.

Biden also touched on geopolitical challenges, including the conflicts in Gaza and the South China Sea, with Prabowo.

"We also discussed global challenges in Gaza and the South China Sea. We look forward to our discussion and welcome," he remarked.

Moreover, Biden identified several focus areas for cooperation, including strengthening a free and open Indo-Pacific region, supporting a clean energy transition where Indonesia plays a critical role, and building secure and resilient supply chains.

He then drew attention to the importance of a comprehensive strategic partnership that encompasses deepening security cooperation between both nations.

In his remarks, the Indonesian President-elect acknowledged the significant contributions of the US to Indonesia's journey toward independence and its ongoing support through various challenges.

Prabowo also expressed his willingness to strengthen relations between Indonesia and the US.

Prabowo was accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya in the meeting.