TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto met with Saudi Arabian Prime Minister Muhammad bin Salman (MBS) bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. The President-elect and the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia discussed efforts to boost bilateral relations and the issues of Palestine.

Prabowo appreciated the strong trade relations between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. The Gerindra Party Chair encouraged the two countries to continue working together to improve trade by exploring new opportunities. These include expanding the potential for trade in defense industry products, agricultural technology, halal industries, and creative industries.

Indonesia and Saudi Arabia have well-established bilateral relations in the economic sector. Indonesia's bilateral trade value with Saudi Arabia reached US$7.5 billion in 2022, with exports reaching US$2 billion and imports worth US$5.5 billion. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's foreign direct investment to Indonesia is worth US$21.89 million in 2018 to 2022.

In the meeting with MBS, Prabowo expressed his gratitude for the 20,000 Hajj quota increase this year and the implementation of the Mecca Route initiative which allows Indonesian pilgrims to make a smooth and comfortable Hajj trip.

"I would like to express my sincere appreciation to His Majesty in ensuring the safety of Indonesian pilgrims until the completion of their Haj pilgrimage here in Saudi Arabia," said Prabowo, quoted from a written statement, Thursday, June 13, 2024.

On the same occasion, Prabowo emphasized that Saudi Arabia is Indonesia’s main partner in dialogue and regional and global issues resolution. Indonesia continues to push for Israel's compliance with the orders of the International Court of Justice, supports full Palestinian membership in the United Nations (UN), and supports humanitarian work on the ground, including UNRWA as the main service provider for Palestinian refugees.

"I rely on your leadership in defending peace, justice, and humanity for Palestine," said Prabowo.

MBS on this occasion appreciated the close relations between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia, referring to the prior as Saudi’s “second home”. He also highlighted the need to boost investment ties with Indonesia and underlined the lack of compromise between Hamas and Israel in the ceasefire talks.

DANIEL A. FAJRI

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