Prabowo calls for more frequent meetings between Indonesia and Thailand

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has encouraged the intensification of regular meetings and coordination between Indonesia and Thailand to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries. “Perhaps because we are so close and have no real problems, we take everything for granted. And we think, ‘oh, that was just yesterday’, but I think perhaps we should meet and coordinate more often,” President Prabowo said whilst receiving an official visit from Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Monday. In his welcoming speech, Prabowo assessed that PM Anutin’s visit to Indonesia held high historical value as it was the first official visit by a Thai head of government after a considerably long interval. “Prime Minister, your visit today is indeed historic and very important. This is the first official visit by a Thai Prime Minister to Indonesia in 15 years,” the President said. Prabowo stressed that the bilateral partnership between Indonesia and Thailand must be future-oriented and focused on delivering tangible benefits to the people of both countries. “If Thailand and Indonesia work together very closely, this can contribute to a stronger and more stable ASEAN,” Prabowo stated. To realise this, the President proposed strengthening defence and security cooperation through increasing the number and level of joint training exercises between the armed forces, as well as expanding officer exchanges in education. Furthermore, the two countries are encouraged to expand economic opportunities through trade, investment, food security, energy, and digital technology sectors, as well as to strengthen people-to-people ties. Before commencing the cooperation discussions, President Prabowo expressed his deepest condolences on behalf of himself and the Indonesian people to the Royal Family and the people of Thailand on the passing of Princess Bajrakitiyabha, and also conveyed birthday greetings to King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua. President Prabowo also recalled his long-standing personal relationship with Thailand and the King, noting that both had backgrounds as fellow military officers in their youth.