President Prabowo Subianto Welcomes Thai PM, Strengthens Indonesia–Thailand Strategic Partnership
President Prabowo Subianto Monday (08/03) welcomed Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul of the Kingdom of Thailand during an official visit at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta.
The official visit marked an important milestone in strengthening bilateral relations and the strategic partnership between the two countries.
Prime Minister Anutin’s motorcade entered the Presidential Palace complex under an honorary escort comprising 17 motorized units and 120 mounted personnel.
The escort, which began at the National Monument area, symbolized Indonesia’s respect for a visiting head of government from a friendly nation.
A warm and festive atmosphere filled the courtyard of Merdeka Palace. Hundreds of elementary school students enthusiastically waved the flags of Indonesia and Thailand to welcome for Prime Minister Anutin.
The ceremony was further enlivened by a performance of the Sekar Sahitya Ayu dance from West Java province, showcasing Indonesia’s cultural richness as part of its cultural diplomacy in receiving state guests.
Upon arriving at the west wing of the Merdeka Palace, President Prabowo Subianto personally greeted Prime Minister Anutin with a warm handshake. The atmosphere then turned solemn as the national anthems of the Republic of Indonesia and the Kingdom of Thailand were played, accompanied by a 19-gun salute, the highest form of honor in state ceremony protocol.
President Prabowo Subianto and Prime Minister Anutin then inspected the honor guard, followed by an introduction to the official delegations of both countries.
Following the welcoming ceremony, the two leaders proceeded to the Credentials Room at the Merdeka Palace for a joint photo session. Prime Minister Anutin then signed the state guest book, in keeping with diplomatic tradition marking his official visit to Indonesia
The agenda continued with a tête-à-tête meeting, providing both leaders an opportunity to exchange views on various strategic issues and the future direction of Indonesia-Thailand bilateral relations. The program then proceeded with a Leaders’ Consultation Meeting attended by the respective delegations of both countries.
In his introductory remarks at the Leaders’ Consultation Meeting, President Prabowo Subianto congratulated Prime Minister Anutin on his mandate as Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand. The President also reaffirmed his commitment to further strengthening the long-standing friendship and strategic cooperation between the two countries.
“Your Excellency, allow me to extend my congratulations on your election and appointment as Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand,” President Prabowo Subianto said.
The President also emphasized the significant potential of Indonesia and Thailand as two of ASEAN strong economies. He also noted that their similar economic structures and leading commodities provide a solid foundation for further strengthening the partnership between the two countries in the future.
“I believe we are both strong economies within ASEAN. We have very large populations and share similar key commodities, such as rubber and tin. Therefore, I am very optimistic that we can further enhance our relations across all areas,” the President said.
Following the meeting, President Prabowo Subianto and his Thai counterpart delivered a joint press statement outlining the results of their discussions, particularly on efforts to strengthen the strategic partnership between Indonesia and Thailand in various sectors.
The official visit concluded with a state dinner hosted by President Prabowo Subianto for Prime Minister Anutin and the Thai delegation at the State Palace in Jakarta. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (EST/EP)
