Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto welcomed Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs, Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al Thani, at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Monday, June 1st. This high-profile visit underscores the growing diplomatic ties and strategic cooperation between the two nations.
According to an official statement from the Presidential Press, Media, and Information Bureau, President Prabowo personally greeted Sheikh Saoud upon his arrival, signaling the importance of the distinguished guest’s presence and the warmth of the reception.
During their significant discussions, Sheikh Saoud conveyed a special message from the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, to President Prabowo. The Indonesian Head of State graciously received the Emir’s message and expressed appreciation for Qatar’s attention, reiterating Indonesia’s unwavering commitment to further strengthening its close bilateral relations with Qatar across various domains.
The leaders further delved into a range of critical issues pertaining to the follow-up on existing bilateral cooperation. Their agenda focused on implementing and expanding joint initiatives that span multiple sectors, aiming for concrete advancements in their strategic partnership.
This latest engagement builds upon a crucial development from April 2025, when President Prabowo and the Emir of Qatar oversaw the signing of a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This landmark agreement was specifically titled “Memorandum of Understanding on Strategic Dialogue between the Government of Indonesia and the Government of the State of Qatar.”
The strategic dialogue established by this MoU is designed to foster more intensive cooperation across a spectrum of vital fields. These areas include political collaboration on international and regional issues, robust defense and security partnerships, joint efforts in counter-terrorism, economic development with a particular focus on trade and investment, vibrant cultural exchange programs, and the continuous enhancement of people-to-people relations.
Beyond the specific bilateral agenda items discussed, the meeting prominently reflected both nations’ steadfast commitment to continuously elevating their already robust and well-established relationship, reinforcing a shared vision for deeper and more fruitful cooperation.
Summary
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto held a bilateral meeting with Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al Thani at Merdeka Palace on Monday, June 1st. Sheikh Saoud conveyed a special message from the Emir of Qatar, which President Prabowo received with appreciation. The leaders discussed existing bilateral cooperation, aiming to strengthen and expand joint initiatives across various domains.
This engagement underscores growing diplomatic ties and builds upon a significant Memorandum of Understanding signed in April 2025. Titled “Memorandum of Understanding on Strategic Dialogue,” this agreement fosters intensive cooperation in political, defense, security, counter-terrorism, economic, and cultural fields. Both nations reiterated their commitment to elevating their already robust strategic partnership.