President Prabowo Subianto meets with President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin at the Konstantinovsky Palace, St. Petersburg, Russia, Thursday (06/19). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)
President Prabowo Subianto, Thursday (06/19), met with President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin at the Konstantinovsky Palace, St. Petersburg, Russia. In this warm and constructive meeting, the two leaders affirmed commitment to strengthening strategic partnership between Indonesia and Russia that this year celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations. The meeting also demonstrated Indonesia’s increasingly important role at the global level.
President Prabowo, in a joint press statement with President Putin, said that the strong relations between Indonesia and Russia have established since Indonesia gained its independence. He added that Russia—when it was part of the Soviet Union—played a role in supporting Indonesia’s development after independence.
“The Russian Federation has always been an important partner for Indonesia in politics, economy, and cultural affairs. Back then, Indonesia was newly independent and very poor. The Soviet Union, with Russia at its core, provided us with significant assistance,” President Prabowo said.
He went on to say that during difficult times, Russia gave Indonesia assistance without burdensome condition. In fact, Russia’s contributions remain clearly visible in Indonesia to this day, for example large buildings, bridges, railways, and factories that were built using Russian assistance.
In the meantime, President Putin underscored that Indonesia is one of Russia’s key partners in Asia Pacific region considering both countries have a strong bilateral relations built on trust and friendship. He also emphasized the importance of the commemoration of Indonesia-Russia diplomatic relations’ anniversary this year.
“This year marks our 75th anniversary of bilateral relations. Russia has facilitated the nation-building process and supported the strengthening of the Republic of Indonesia’s position on the international stage,” President Putin said.
President Putin also expressed his hope that this visit will serve as a catalyst for closer cooperation in the future.
“Once again, I would like to honor and appreciate the cooperation with you today. Certainly, this visit will help facilitate strategic cooperation between our two countries and will benefit and contribute to the welfare of our peoples,” he concluded. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (RAS/MMB)
