Indonesia, Brazil Deepen Strategic and Personal Ties in Jakarta Meeting
President Prabowo welcomes the President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Thursday morning (10/23). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)
A warm smile and friendly laughter filled the atmosphere at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta as President Prabowo Subianto welcomed President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and First Lady Janja Lula da Silva during a state visit on Thursday (10/23).
The meeting not only brought together two leaders of major countries in the global South but also showcases personal closeness that reflects friendship between Indonesia and Brazil.
From the start of the visit, the closeness of the two leaders was clearly visible.
Upon arrival at the courtyard of the Merdeka Palace, President Lula da Silva was directly welcomed by President Prabowo Subianto.
The two leaders then exchanged a warm embrace. It was a simple gesture but full of meaning, reflecting mutual respect and brotherhood between the two leaders.
The warm moment continued until the end of the event.
After delivering a joint press statement, President Prabowo and his Brazilian counterpart embraced warmly once again before parting ways.
President Prabowo Subianto also personally escorted President Lula da Silva and First Lady Janja Lula da Silva to the official vehicle that would take them from the Merdeka Palace.
In the joint press statement, the warm atmosphere was once again palpable as President Prabowo Subianto revealed several personal similarities between himself and President Lula da Silva.
“Once again, we are delighted that he is here. I just found out that he and I apparently share the same lucky number, number 8. So number 8, we were also both born in October. So, my birthday is on October 17, and his birthday is on October 27,” the Indonesian President said, followed by warm laughter from the attending delegates.
President Prabowo Subianto added that there are many similarities between himself and President Lula da Silva, including a shared commitment to fight for the welfare of the people.
“So it turns out there are many similarities. Perhaps we are destined to now work together, both to defend and advance our people. I must admit here that I am an admirer of him,” the President said.
On the same occasion, President Lula da Silva responded warmly, praising Indonesia’s hospitality and conveying prayers and encouragement to his friend, President Prabowo Subianto.
“I wish you all the best. I want to say that I will turn 80, but believe me, I have the same energy as when I was 30 years old,” said President Lula with a friendly smile.
The Brazilian President also expressed his intention to continue advancing relations between Indonesia and Brazil in the future.
In fact, President Lula da Silva presented a gift to President Prabowo in the form of a jersey with the number 8, which is their mutual lucky number.
“I am giving you a jersey with the number 8 because when I used to play football, albeit not very well, my position was right midfielder, and right midfielders wear number 8. That’s why 8 is my lucky number and I know it is also your lucky number, so believe me that the two of us are two incredibly lucky presidents,” said President Lula, greeted by warm laughter from President Prabowo.
The meeting between President Prabowo Subianto and President Lula da Silva at the Merdeka Palace left a deep impression, not only for both countries but also for the public who witnessed how two great world leaders showed their warm sides.
Behind the diplomatic agenda and cooperation agreements, there is a story of mutual respect, admiration, and naturally grown camaraderie, making this state visit not merely a political event but a celebration of friendship between two nations. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (AS/EP)
