Open the Peace Board Meeting, Trump Praises Prabowo as Great and Tough

JAKARTA - US President Donald Trump called President Prabowo Subianto a "great" and "tough" leader in the first meeting of the heads of state of his Peace Council (BoP).

When opening the meeting in Washington DC, Thursday morning local time, Trump greeted each of the heads of state present, including Indonesia, and delivered a brief view of the leader and the country they lead.

"This is a man I really like, he is a very tough person, I don't want to fight with him," Trump said, referring to Prabowo as reported by ANTARA, Thursday, February 19.

Trump made the statement while greeting President Prabowo, who then stood up and expressed his appreciation for Trump's greeting.

Continuing his speech, Trump then recalled the size of the Indonesian state's population, which was led by President Prabowo.

"That (Indonesia) is a very big country. You have done a tremendous job and are respected by everyone. Thank you very much for your presence," said the US President, expressing his disbelief at the size of Indonesia's population.

Trump said this proved that Indonesia was a big country. He also praised Prabowo as a leader who worked well and was appreciated by everyone.

The US President also expressed his gratitude for the presence of the President of the Republic of Indonesia in the first meeting of the Peace Council in Washington DC.

He then continued his speech to the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev who sat right next to Prabowo.

In the inaugural Gaza Peace Council Summit in Washington DC today, President Prabowo attended the invitation of President Trump. As the host and initiator of the BoP, Prabowo will deliver a national statement at the meeting.

Several other member state leaders were also present, including those from Albania, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Kazakhstan, Hungary, Pakistan, Paraguay, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and Egypt.

The schedule of the event includes the opening by President Trump, a presentation from key figures of the Peace Council, a statement from the leaders of member countries, then concluded with a vote and the adoption of a resolution.