Prabowo Met US Defense Minister to Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation
- Kemhan RI
Washington DC, VIVA – President of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto met with United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin in the United States on Wednesday (Nov 13).
During the meeting, Prabowo stated that he has known Lloyd Austin for a long time and has a good relationship with him.
"We have a good relationship; I’ve worked with him for a long time," President Prabowo said after their meeting in Washington, D.C., as reported online by the Ministry of State Secretariat in Jakarta on Thursday (Nov 14).
In the meeting, President Prabowo discussed current issues and cooperation between the two countries with Secretary Austin.
Presiden Prabowo Subianto melakukan pertemuan dengan The United States Indonesi
- Biro Pers Sekretariat Presiden: Muchlis Jr
"Yes, we discussed current issues, cooperation between the two nations, exchanged information and views. I think that’s the essence of it," the President remarked.
During the same occasion, Prabowo also responded to journalists’ questions about his meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden, where they discussed the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Prabowo expressed hope for an immediate ceasefire.
Additionally, Prabowo and Biden discussed the South China Sea. He emphasized his desire to work with all parties and to respect all powers.
However, he also stated that Indonesia would continue to safeguard its sovereignty.
"But we choose—I choose—to always seek opportunities for cooperation. I believe that collaboration and partnership are always better than confrontation or conflict. Of course, this requires effort; it won’t happen on its own. There must be an effort to build mutual trust and respect. So, we choose to maintain good relations with all parties," he concluded.
