Approaching EU, President Prabowo Highlights Indonesia’s Role in ASEAN, at Global Stage

President Prabowo Subianto and President of European Commission Ursula von der Leyen give a joint press statement at the EU Headquarter, Berlaymont Building, Brussels, Belgium, on Monday (07/13). (Photo by: Bureau of Press, Media, and Information (BPMI) of Presidential Secretariat)

President Prabowo Subianto had a meeting with President of European Commission Ursula von der Leyen at the European Union (EU) Headquarter, Berlaymont Building, Brussels, Belgium, on Monday (07/13). The meeting produced numerous important strategic agreements that mark a new chapter of Indonesia-EU relationship amid the ongoing global dynamics.

In the joint press statement, President Prabowo expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome extended by the European Commission although the meeting was held during the weekend. The Head of State firmly stated that the visit indicates that Indonesia has a serious intention in building a strong partnership with the EU.

“First of all, it is a great honor for me to be here, welcomed by the European Commission. I would like to sincerely apologize for paying a visit on Sunday. It is indeed very unusual, so I feel honored, and this is a significant sacrifice. However, I think it also shows how important the relation between Indonesia and the European Union,” President Prabowo said.

President Prabowo considers that Europe has an important role in the global advancement, including in science, technology, and finance. With Indonesia’s strategic resources and central position in the ASEAN, President Prabowo emphasized that the cooperation between Indonesia and the EU will make a huge contribution to the global economy and geopolitics.

“Europe is leading in science, technology, and finance. We have important resources. So, the European-Indonesian partnership—while Indonesia is also an important part of ASEAN—will make a significant contribution to the global economy and geopolitics,” stated the President.

President Prabowo also expressed his satisfaction at the outcomes of the meeting between Indonesian ministers and the EU Commissioners. Furthermore, the President also stressed the importance of Europe at the global stage, and that Indonesia has a hope that the EU will continue to establish its presence and involvement in the Southeast Asian region.

“Please be sure that we in Southeast Asia, especially Indonesia, deem that Europe is very important in maintaining global stabilization. Europe is still, in our opinion, the leader in many modern life aspects. We still look up to Europe. Maybe not many of us would like to admit it openly, but I am here, I admit it openly, we want to see a stronger Europe and we want to cooperate with Europe,” the President remarked.

President Prabowo also expressed hope that the agreement reached can be carried out in a further step. “I hope that once we implement the agreement, we can also sign the implementing agreements immediately,” he said.

The meeting strengthens greatly Indonesia’s and the EU’s positions as partners which do not only have a significant role in the economic sector, but also a strategic role in maintaining global stability and advancement. (Bureau of Press, Media, and Information of Presidential Secretariat) (AW/TM)