Prabowo Recalls Youthful Les Invalides Visits, Now Receives Grand Welcome in Paris

President Prabowo Subianto expressed delight at the grand welcoming ceremony held for him at Les Invalides in Paris. Prabowo recalled frequently visiting the site during his youth when travelling to Paris. He made the remarks during a press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace in Paris on Thursday, 28 May 2026. ‘Mr President, once again, I am very pleased. When I was younger, every time I came to Paris, I always visited Les Invalides,’ Prabowo said, according to a presidential secretariat YouTube broadcast. ‘Today, I have been received with such great honour,’ he added. Prabowo expressed optimism that discussions between the two nations would yield positive outcomes. ‘Once again, thank you for the warm welcome extended to me and my delegation. I am confident our discussions will yield positive results,’ he said. It is known that before meeting Macron at the Elysee Palace, the head of state received a state ceremonial welcome at Les Invalides in Paris. According to the Government Communication Agency, Prabowo arrived at Les Invalides at 15:30 local time wearing a grey suit and black peci (traditional Indonesian cap). Upon arrival, he was greeted by French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu and participated in the welcoming ceremony. Subsequently, the Indonesian President boarded a French military command vehicle to inspect the honour guard while saluting the neatly arranged troops at the ceremony site. After the inspection, the Indonesian President proceeded to the Elysee Palace under a grand escort of 146 mounted cavalry and 27 motorised personnel from France.