Japanese PM Congratulates President-elect Prabowo in Tokyo’s Meeting

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida personally congratulated Indonesia’s president-elect Prabowo Subianto on his triumph in the 2024 election during their meeting in Tokyo today, April 3.

“Your Excellency, congratulations on your election victory,” Kishida said as he welcomed Prabowo to his office, as quoted in a written statement.

Kishida expressed his contentment with Prabowo’s courtesy visit and hoped that the two countries could fortify bilateral cooperation to achieve a free and open Indo-Pacific. “This visit is highly encouraging. Japan and Indonesia have long been close allies. I would like the two countries to further enhance cooperation as partners who share fundamental values and principles,” said Kishida.

During the meeting, Prabowo also expressed his hope that Indonesia could augment cooperation with Japan, particularly in the industrial and defense sectors.

“The two countries have established good relations so far, and we ask the Japanese government to collaborate to achieve stronger relations in the future and strengthen collaboration in the defense sector,” said Prabowo, who also serves as the Defense Minister.

Apart from meeting with Kishida, Prabowo met with his Japanese counterpart Kihara Minoru. The visit to Japan followed his April 1 visit to China for talks with President Xi Jinping, which was his first overseas trip after winning the presidential election in February.

The former special forces commander was expected to be sworn in as Indonesia’s President on October 20, 2024, along with VP-elect Gibran Rakabuming Raka, who is President Joko Widodo or Jokowi’s eldest son. 

SULTAN ABDURRAHMAN

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