President Prabowo arrives in France for state visit

JAKARTA – President Prabowo Subianto has arrived at Orly Airport in Paris, France on Tuesday, 26 May at approximately 10:00 local time to begin a state visit aimed at strengthening the strategic relationship between the two nations.

In a statement on the official social media of the State Secretariat, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya said President Prabowo was greeted upon arrival by France’s Minister of Labour and Solidarity, Jean-Pierre Farandou, along with an honour guard and hundreds of Indonesian citizens at the hotel where the Head of State is staying.

“This arrival marks the commencement of President Prabowo’s state visit to France, which had been scheduled since last year but underwent several reschedulings,” said Cabinet Secretary Teddy.

He explained that Indonesia currently has numerous super strategic partnerships with France. The state visit is expected to further bolster Indonesia’s position in Europe, particularly in France.

Indonesia and France play complementary roles in global relations. Indonesia serves as a key gateway between Europe and Asia, while France is a crucial bridge for Asian, particularly Southeast Asian, relations with Europe.

“Before the official state visit programme begins, President Prabowo is scheduled to perform Eid al-Adha prayers and meet with Indonesian citizens at the Indonesian Embassy’s residence in Paris,” the Cabinet Secretary said.

Previously, Deputy Minister of the State Secretariat Juri Ardiantoro told reporters that the President departed for France on Monday night, 25 May for the state visit.

Juri added that the Head of State would remain in France on Wednesday, 27 May, so the Eid al-Adha prayers would be adjusted according to the local situation.