Qatar Emir's Envoy Holds Surprise Meeting with Prabowo, Delivers Message

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - President Prabowo Subianto received a visit from Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence, Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al Thani, at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Monday, 1 June 2026. Sheikh Saoud was warmly welcomed by President Prabowo in a friendly atmosphere.

The meeting served to strengthen communication and the existing positive relations between the two nations. During the talks, Sheikh Saoud conveyed a special message from Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, to Prabowo.

The head of state welcomed the Emir’s message and reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties with Qatar. Both leaders also discussed follow-up actions on previously agreed cooperation between the countries.

In April 2025, Prabowo and the Emir of Qatar witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) titled ‘Mutual Understanding Memorandum on Strategic Dialogue between the Governments of Indonesia and the State of Qatar’.

The MoU forms the basis for both nations to enhance collaboration across strategic sectors, including politics, regional and international issues, defence and security, counter-terrorism, and economy covering trade and investment.

Additionally, both countries pledged to boost cooperation in cultural affairs and strengthen people-to-people ties to reinforce existing bonds.

The meeting between Prabowo and Saoud was described as constructive and respectful, part of ongoing efforts by Indonesia and Qatar to solidify their strategic partnership.