Saint Petersburg, Russia (ANTARA) - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged the deepening bilateral relationship between their countries during a meeting at the Konstantinovsky Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia, on Thursday.
President Prabowo expressed his appreciation for Russia’s support in accelerating Indonesia’s full membership in BRICS, the group of emerging economies comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and other new members.
“I am very grateful for Russia’s support in securing Indonesia’s full membership in BRICS in a very short time,” he told President Putin.
He also noted the improvement in Indonesia–Russia relations, particularly since his inauguration in October 2024.
“Our relationship continues to grow. Senior Russian officials have visited Indonesia, and I’ve also met Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov this year,” he said.
President Putin, for his part, welcomed Prabowo warmly and expressed optimism about expanding cooperation in a range of areas, including defense and space.
“We have many opportunities and great potential for cooperation,” Putin remarked.
He also expressed hope that Indonesia’s BRICS membership would bring meaningful contributions to the economic bloc.
The meeting began with a 10-minute one-on-one discussion (tête-à-tête) between the two leaders, followed by a bilateral meeting involving their respective delegations.
President Prabowo was accompanied by Foreign Minister Sugiono, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, and Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan.
Other members of the Indonesian delegation included Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman, Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid, Minister of Investment and Downstreaming Rosan Perkasa Roeslani, Higher Education Minister Brian Yuliarto, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia, and Pertamina President Director Simon Aloysius Mantiri.
Following the official meetings, President Putin hosted a lunch in honor of President Prabowo and his delegation.
