Prabowo Meets Saudi Arabian Ambassador, Discusses Defense Cooperation and Extends Invitation

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia's Defense Minister and President-elect, Prabowo Subianto, met with Saudi Arabian Ambassador Faisal bin Abdullah H. Amodi at the Ministry of Defense office on Thursday, July 18, 2024.

The discussion focused on strengthening defense cooperation between the two nations. Prabowo welcomed Saudi's efforts to expand collaboration in the defense industry, including the potential for increased participation of Saudi Arabian military personnel in educational programs, courses, and joint training exercises held in Indonesia.

He hoped that cooperation between the two Defense Ministries could continue. “And that it can further strengthen relations between our two countries,” he said in a written statement on Thursday, July 18.

Additionally, Ambassador Amodi delivered a letter from Saudi's Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The letter extended an invitation to Prabowo for a visit to Saudi Arabia.

This follows their previous meeting in Jeddah in mid-June. During that encounter, Prabowo, as President-elect, and MBS discussed bolstering bilateral ties on the Palestinian issue.

Prabowo also emphasized the importance of robust trade relations between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. He encouraged continued collaboration to enhance trade volume by exploring new opportunities, such as expanding trade in defense industry products, agricultural technology, halal goods, and the creative industries.

Indonesia's bilateral trade with Saudi Arabia reached US$7.5 billion in 2022. Indonesian exports amounted to US$2 billion, while imports stood at US$5.5 billion. Furthermore, Saudi's foreign direct investment in Indonesia from 2018 to 2022 totaled US$21.89 million.

During his meeting with MBS, Prabowo expressed gratitude for the 20,000-person increase in Indonesia's Hajj quota for 2024. He also applauded the "Mecca Route" initiative, which facilitates a more convenient and comfortable Hajj experience for Indonesian pilgrims.

“I would like to express my sincere appreciation to His Majesty for ensuring the safety of Indonesian pilgrims throughout their Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia,” he stated in a written statement on June 13, 2024.

Prabowo further underscored Saudi Arabia's role as a key partner for Indonesia in addressing regional and global challenges. Indonesia continues to push for Israel's compliance with International Court of Justice rulings, full Palestinian membership in the United Nations, and support for on-the-ground humanitarian efforts, including those of UNRWA, the primary service provider for Palestinian refugees.

“I rely on your leadership in defending peace, justice, and humanity for Palestine,” Prabowo concluded.

DANIEL A. FAJRI

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