Putin Appreciates President's Easter Greetings, Cabinet Secretary Explains Their Meaning
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya highlighted one of the warm moments from the meeting between Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, namely when the host appreciated the Easter greetings from President Prabowo.
In the meeting at the Kremlin Palace, Moscow, on Monday (13/4), President Prabowo extended Easter greetings to President Putin and the Russian people celebrating Easter.
“The greetings were conveyed as a form of respect for traditions and religious celebrations in Russia,” said Teddy in his official statement confirmed in Jakarta on Tuesday.
The Cabinet Secretary continued that after President Prabowo delivered the greetings, President Putin expressed his deep appreciation for the message given by President Prabowo.
President Putin stated that the greetings held a special meaning, considering that Indonesia is a country with the largest Muslim population in the world.
“President Putin welcomed and greatly appreciated President Prabowo and was very pleased to hear the Holy Easter greetings because they came from the head of state with the largest Muslim population in the world,” said Teddy.
President Putin then explained that Russia also upholds diversity and tolerance among religions.
Drawing on that spirit of tolerance, various religious celebrations are respected and celebrated together as part of national life.
“He conveyed that Russia is a multi-confessional country that adheres to various religions but still celebrates all religious holidays,” said Teddy.
At the Kremlin Palace in Moscow, Teddy said the meeting between President Prabowo and President Putin reflected values of mutual respect and tolerance that form an important foundation in inter-state relations.
That moment also became a strong symbol of the friendship between Indonesia and Russia, while showing that differences in religious backgrounds do not become obstacles, but rather bridges to strengthen relations and mutual understanding between nations.
The meeting between President Prabowo and President Putin at the Kremlin lasted five hours. The meeting began with a two-hour bilateral session, followed by a three-hour one-on-one meeting between the two leaders.
In the bilateral meeting, President Prabowo was accompanied by Foreign Minister Sugiono, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia, and Cabinet Secretary Teddy.