Prabowo and Putin Exchange Mutual Praise During Bilateral Meeting

President Prabowo Subianto has met with Russian President Vladimir Putin once again. In this fifth meeting between the two leaders, both heads of state exchanged mutual praise.

The meeting took place in Vladivostok, Russia, on Thursday (3/9/2026) local time. During a working lunch, Prabowo and Putin held bilateral discussions accompanied by delegations from both nations.

During the session, both leaders offered compliments to one another. Putin opened the meeting by warmly welcoming Prabowo’s visit.

For Putin, meeting Prabowo not only demonstrates personal closeness but also reflects the strategic depth of the relationship between the two countries.

“This is our second meeting this year. Our personal contact reflects the strategic nature of the bilateral relationship between Russia and Indonesia,” said Putin during the luncheon in Vladivostok, Russia, on Thursday (3/9/2026).

Putin also expressed his gratitude to Prabowo for accepting his invitation to serve as the guest of honour at the 11th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Vladivostok. Putin noted that Indonesia remains one of Russia’s key partners in the Asia-Pacific region.

“I would like to thank the President for his willingness to visit Vladivostok and participate in the Eastern Economic Forum as our primary guest of honour,” he stated.

“Indonesia is a key partner for Russia in the Asia-Pacific region. We have been bound by friendly relations for many years,” he continued.

Putin detailed several existing areas of cooperation, particularly in the trade and economic sectors, noting that trade volumes between Indonesia and Russia continue to rise.

“Trade between our two countries is also developing. Last year, trade volume increased by 12 per cent. The joint Russia-Indonesia commission on economy, trade, and technical cooperation continues to work diligently,” he said.

Putin also mentioned several other areas of interest, ranging from agriculture to nuclear energy, as well as the free trade agreement between Indonesia and the Eurasian Economic Union.

“We are observing the development of bilateral cooperation in agriculture, shipbuilding, digital technology, and energy, specifically nuclear energy. We have signed a free trade agreement between the Republic of Indonesia and the Eurasian Economic Union,” he noted.

Responding to Putin, Prabowo stated that Russia is a vital partner for Indonesia, especially given the historical ties between the two nations spanning over five decades.

“Once again, thank you. Indonesia and Russia share deep historical ties of more than five decades. For Indonesia, Russia is a very important partner,” said Prabowo during the luncheon, which was broadcast via the Indonesian Presidency’s YouTube channel on Thursday (3/9/2026).

Prabowo expressed his appreciation for the bilateral cooperation that has now been elevated to a Strategic Partnership. Furthermore, Prabowo noted he felt honoured to be the primary guest of honour at the EEF in Vladivostok.

“We are proud and pleased that our relationship was elevated to a Strategic Partnership last year. And, once again, we are honoured to participate in the 11th Eastern Economic Forum,” he said.

Furthermore, Prabowo encouraged increased cooperation, particularly in the maritime sector. He emphasised that this is crucial for both nations as fellow Asia-Pacific countries.

“This forum has great potential to serve as a bridge for cooperation and connectivity in our region. We are both Pacific nations, and for us as an archipelagic state, connectivity and maritime cooperation are vital,” said Prabowo.

“Indonesia continues to strive to enhance cooperation in all fields to achieve mutual benefits for both our nations,” he added.

Prabowo also assessed the need to boost economic and trade cooperation, asserting that Indonesia is ready to strengthen and expand collaboration across various lines.

“In several aspects, our relationship continues to grow, as His Excellency has mentioned regarding our economy and trade. We are also making significant progress in various other fields, and we are ready to enhance this cooperation,” said Prabowo.

Accompanying Prabowo in this meeting were Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Foreign Minister Sugiono, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia, Minister of Higher Education Brian Yuliarto, Minister of Investment and Downstreaming Rosan Roeslani, and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya.