Prabowo sends Easter and Cosmonautics Day greetings in Moscow talks
As observed via a Presidential Secretariat livestream from Jakarta, Prabowo acknowledged the importance of both observances for Russia and praised Moscow’s notable contributions to outer space exploration.
He went on to say that Russia’s strong legacy in space flight had even influenced the Indonesian public, as reflected in naming practices.
“Many Indonesians name their children Gagarin or Yuri,” Prabowo said, referring to Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, the first human to successfully journey into outer space.
In response, President Putin expressed elation over the greetings, noting their significance coming from the leader of the world’s largest Muslim-majority country.
He then underscored the multi-confessional nature of Russian society, where people commonly celebrate religious holidays across faiths.
During the meeting, Prabowo and Putin agreed to elevate bilateral cooperation across economics, energy, space, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals.
Prabowo also used the occasion to personally thank the Russian government for its multifaceted support for Indonesia, including backing its successful bid to join the BRICS group.
On bilateral ties, he observed that there remains a need for acceleration in certain areas, even though both countries have made significant progress in most agreements.
He particularly pledged to directly oversee the implementation of cooperation in monetary affairs.
Putin, for his part, noted a 12.5 percent increase in bilateral trade last year and identified energy, space, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals as priority sectors for cooperation.
He expressed confidence that Indonesia’s BRICS membership would also open up new avenues for collaboration between the two countries.
The Indonesian delegation at the meeting included Foreign Affairs Minister Sugiono, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia, and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya.
Related news: Prabowo consults Putin on global geopolitical uncertainty
Related news: Prabowo to oversee Indonesia-Russia monetary ties
Related news: Prabowo-Putin agree to increase economic, energy cooperation
Translator: Fathur R, Tegar Nurfitra