Demonstrating closeness, Prabowo and Putin exchange gifts

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin demonstrated a close relationship between the two national leaders, including when they exchanged gifts and Putin escorted Prabowo’s departure right up to the courtyard of the Kremlin Palace.

According to information from the Indonesian Government Communication Agency (Bakom) received in Jakarta on Tuesday, following an intensive and productive series of bilateral meetings between the two, Putin personally escorted Prabowo to the official vehicle that picked him up in the courtyard of the Kremlin Palace in Moscow, Russia, on Monday (13/4).

That gesture reflects the close personal relationship between the two national leaders as well as serving as a symbol of respect and friendship between the two countries.

Before parting, Prabowo and Putin also exchanged gifts as a sign of friendship and a memento of their meeting.

Putin gave a memento in the form of a samovar, a traditional Russian appliance for boiling water and tea.

“This is specially from Indonesia, a vase. This is also a miniature of Borobudur,” said Prabowo to Putin.

Putin was impressed with the gift given by Prabowo and immediately expressed his gratitude.

“Thank you very much, Your Excellency,” said Putin to Prabowo.

The exchange of gifts became a symbol of respect, friendship, and commitment from both countries to continue strengthening the bilateral relations that have been closely established so far.

After visiting Russia, President Prabowo then directly departed for Paris, France, on Monday. He is scheduled to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace to discuss enhancing strategic cooperation between the two countries in various priority sectors.