President Prabowo’s Working Visit is an Important Milestone in Diplomatic Relations between Indonesia and Middle Eastern Countries
JAKARTA — President Prabowo Subianto’s working visit to a number of countries in the Middle East since Wednesday, April 9, 2025 is a very important milestone in further strengthening diplomatic relations between Indonesia and the countries there.
The working visit also reflects Indonesia’s strategic steps in expanding diplomatic reach, strengthening economic cooperation, and navigating increasingly complex global geopolitical challenges.
banner 336×280
President Prabowo opened his series of visits by holding a closed meeting with the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, at the Qasr Al Shatie Palace, Abu Dhabi.
During the meeting, the two leaders discussed the direction of strategic cooperation and opportunities for synergy amid global economic pressures.
“First, I met with the President of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, and to conduct consultations, exchange ideas on current world geopolitical and geoeconomic developments,” said President Prabowo.
Deputy for Protocol, Press, and Media of the Presidential Secretariat, Yusuf Permana, stated that the bilateral meeting resulted in a number of concrete agreements.
“After conducting a private meeting, the meeting ended with the announcement of both the MoU and LoI that had been signed and agreed upon by both parties,” said Yusuf.
Furthermore, President Prabowo held direct discussions with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan regarding strengthening cross-sector cooperation.
“I also consulted with President Erdogan on industrial, trade, education and cultural cooperation,” said the Head of State.
“We have quite extensive and comprehensive relations with Turkey,” he added.
Meanwhile, the meeting in Doha resulted in the signing of various important agreements, particularly in the energy and investment sectors.
“I am conducting a state visit and to finalize agreements between Qatar and Indonesia, as well as signing various agreements and deals that are quite strategic for our two countries,” he said.
On the other hand, Lecturer in International Relations at Padjadjaran University, Teuku Rezasyah, assessed this step as a progressive diplomatic strategy.
“If they feel uncomfortable with developments in the US, then Indonesia must open itself to receiving investment from the region,” he said.
The visit underscores Indonesia’s commitment to playing an active role on the global stage while strengthening the foundation of a long-term strategic partnership in the Middle East. (*)
