Prabowo: Three Visits to France This Year, a 'Great Honour'

Paris – President Prabowo Subianto stated that in 2026, he has already made three working visits to France. He expressed gratitude to French President Emmanuel Macron for warmly welcoming the Indonesian delegation with great respect.

“This year alone, I have been to France three times. Last year, Indonesia was honoured to participate in the Bastille Day parade, France’s national day,” Prabowo said in France on Thursday, May 28, 2026.

“I extend my deepest thanks and highest appreciation for the warm, respectful reception extended to me and my delegation,” he added.

He emphasised that Indonesia maintains good relations with France and praised Macron’s firm stance on the international stage.

“President Macron’s leadership on the global stage shows that France consistently takes positive, decisive positions in line with its principles,” he concluded.

The head of state noted that Indonesia shares similar positions with France through strong bilateral ties, particularly in defence and science and technology.

“In several areas, Indonesia and France share common ground, and our bilateral relations are currently very strong. This is due to President Macron’s direct support. Our defence cooperation is excellent, as is our collaboration in science and technology,” Prabowo said.

Previously, Foreign Minister Sugiono stated that President Prabowo’s visit to France this week, coinciding with Eid al-Adha, was to fulfill an invitation from Macron that had been previously delayed.

“This visit is to meet Macron’s invitation which was previously postponed,” Sugiono said in a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu RI), confirmed in Jakarta on Wednesday.

He added that Macron extended the invitation for another visit during Prabowo’s last trip to Paris last month.