President Prabowo’s Visit to Several Middle Eastern Countries, Discusses Economic Cooperation to Geopolitical Developments
Jakarta – President Prabowo is holding a state visit to several countries in the Middle East starting Wednesday, April 9, 2025. This visit is part of Indonesia’s diplomatic strategy to strengthen economic cooperation and explore global geopolitical dynamics.
“First, I will go to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, to meet with the President of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, and to consult, exchange ideas on current world geopolitical and geoeconomic developments,” said President Prabowo at a press conference before his departure at the Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, Jakarta.
Upon arrival in Abu Dhabi at 06.30 local time, President Prabowo immediately held a closed meeting with President MBZ at the Qasr Al Shatie Palace. In the private meeting, the two leaders discussed opportunities for strategic cooperation between the two countries amid global economic uncertainty.
“After conducting a private meeting, the meeting will end with the announcement of both the MoU and LoI that have been signed and agreed upon by both parties,” said Deputy for Protocol, Press, and Media of the Presidential Secretariat, Yusuf Permana, at the Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi.
President Prabowo’s visit includes five countries: the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Egypt, Qatar, and Jordan. In Turkey, the President is scheduled to attend the Antalya Diplomacy Forum and be a speaker in the leader’s talk session, as well as making a return visit at the invitation of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
“In Antalya, I will also consult with President Erdogan on industrial, trade, education and cultural cooperation. We have quite extensive and comprehensive relations with Turkey,” Prabowo said.
The visit comes amid rising global trade tensions due to US President Donald Trump’s new protectionist policies. The aggressive tariff policies are seen as potentially exacerbating trade conflicts and disrupting global stability.
According to Lecturer in International Relations at Padjadjaran University, Teuku Rezasyah, Indonesia sees an opportunity to strengthen its position as an alternative partner for Middle Eastern countries.
“If they feel uncomfortable with developments in the US, then Indonesia must open itself to receiving investment from the region,” he said.
Through this visit, Indonesia confirms its active role in the international arena, as well as opening the way for strengthening the national economy through strategic partnerships with key countries in the Middle East region.
Reza also suggested that the Indonesian delegation involve economic actors who understand the substance of Indonesia-Middle East relations. “Communication must be effective, including the use of Arabic, to build trust and cultural closeness,” he concluded.
