Foreign Minister Sugiono has elucidated the reasons behind President Prabowo Subianto’s significant working visit to France. According to the Minister, President Prabowo’s current trip is in fulfillment of a long-standing invitation from French President Emmanuel Macron, which had previously encountered delays.
“This is an invitation from President Macron that was, in fact, delayed,” Sugiono stated in his remarks on Wednesday, May 27, providing clarity on the diplomatic engagement.
Sugiono further elaborated that President Macron had originally extended an invitation for President Prabowo to visit in April. However, at that time, a mutually suitable schedule could not be arranged for the high-level meeting.
During a subsequent encounter between the two heads of state in Paris, President Macron reiterated his invitation and proposed the dates for the current visit. “Having been extended twice, with this being the second instance, President Prabowo is now honoring this invitation, arriving in Paris for this state visit, which also serves as a reciprocal gesture following President Macron’s earlier visit to Indonesia,” Sugiono clarified, emphasizing the diplomatic importance of the trip.
Strengthening Super Strategic Cooperation
Adding further context to the visit’s agenda, Cabinet Secretary Lieutenant Colonel Teddy Indra Wijaya had previously remarked that President Prabowo’s journey to France is strategically aimed at bolstering “super strategic” cooperation between the two nations.
“Currently, Indonesia maintains numerous super strategic collaborations with France, and this state visit is expected to further solidify Indonesia’s standing in Europe, particularly within France,” Teddy noted in his statement on Tuesday, May 26, highlighting the anticipated outcomes of the high-profile visit.
Teddy also underscored the complementary nature of Indonesia-France bilateral relations within the broader global landscape. He emphasized, “Indonesia serves as a vital gateway for Europe’s engagement with Asia, while France stands as a crucial entry point for Asia’s—especially Southeast Asia’s—connections to the European region,” illustrating the intertwined roles both nations play in international relations.
Summary
President Prabowo Subianto is visiting France to fulfill a long-standing invitation from President Emmanuel Macron that was previously delayed since April. Foreign Minister Sugiono explained that the visit serves as a reciprocal gesture following Macron’s earlier trip to Indonesia. The meeting was finalized after both leaders found a mutually suitable schedule for the high-level engagement.
The visit is strategically aimed at bolstering “super strategic” cooperation and solidifying Indonesia’s standing in Europe. Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya emphasized the roles of both nations as vital gateways between Asia and the European region. This state visit is expected to result in more robust bilateral relations and enhanced strategic partnerships.