President Prabowo Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthening Relations with South Africa

President Prabowo Subianto officially welcomes the state visit of South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, Wednesday (10/22). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

President Prabowo Subianto has reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening relations and partnerships with South Africa, especially as fellow major countries in the Global South.

At a luncheon during the state visit of South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa at Merdeka Palace’s Oval Office on Wednesday (10/22), President Prabowo expressed his admiration for Nelson Mandela’s struggle for freedom and democracy, which has become a symbol of strength and steadfastness.

“We followed your fight, and we admire your strength and perseverance in fighting for freedom and democracy. We wish to strengthen our relations and cooperation that have been established. We are both major countries from the Global South,” he said.

The Indonesian President also expressed hope that President Ramaphosa’s visit can serve as the beginning of stronger ties between the two nations across various sectors, including in global forums such as BRICS.

“We joined BRICS, and we would like to see closer relations between us. We see South Africa as a strategic partner in the African continent. You are a big leader in Africa, and we believe that Africa is the future—a reviving continent and economy,” he said.

In the meantime, President Ramaphosa expressed appreciation to the Indonesian Government for the warm welcome while underscoring the importance of this visit to South Africa.

“It is a huge honor for us to be here today. We see this visit as a vital moment for South Africa in Indonesia. We would like to express our gratitude for the honor bestowed upon us through this high-level state visit. We do not take this lightly. We see it as concrete evidence of the importance of the relations between South Africa and Indonesia,” he said.

Furthermore, the South African President expressed hope that the two countries can strengthen economic cooperation, enhancing trade relations and growing investment substantially and sustainably.

“We are aware of the warm relations between our countries and we would like to make them even stronger. We hope that trade and investment between the two countries can continue to develop and expand substantially. That is what we wish to achieve,” he said while thanking the Indonesian Government for the warm welcome.

“Once again, I thank you, and I wish the best for Indonesia. I am also aware that you, too, wish the best for South Africa in every aspect,” he remarked. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (DH/MMB)