Prabowo Congratulates Russia on Easter and Cosmonautics Day

JAKARTA - President Prabowo Subianto conveyed his Easter and Cosmonautics Day greetings to the Russian people when he met President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin Palace.

"I congratulate you, Your Majesty and the entire Russian nation just honored the important day of Easter, I also know that a few days ago, just yesterday, April 12, was the Day of Cosmonaut for Russia, it also has a very big influence in the world," said Prabowo as quoted from the live broadcast of the Presidential Secretariat, Monday, April 13.

Prabowo then touched on the great influence of Space Day, including in Indonesia, which is reflected in the use of the name of a Russian space figure as a child's name.

"Many Indonesians have their children named Gagarin, named Yuri," said Prabowo smiling.

Meanwhile, Putin assessed that Prabowo's visit had an important meaning in the midst of the current global situation, especially in efforts to increase bilateral cooperation in the economic sector.

Putin also appreciated Prabowo's Easter greetings, stressing that Russia is a multi-conventional country that still celebrates various major religious days with all religious believers in the country.

"We are very happy to say Happy Easter, especially from the head of state with the largest Muslim population in the world. Our country is a multi-conventional country and we, together with our brothers who adhere to other religions, continue to celebrate all religious holidays," Putin said.

During the meeting, Prabowo and Putin agreed to increase cooperation between the two countries, especially in the fields of economy, energy, space, agriculture, industry and pharmaceuticals.

Prabowo appreciated the support of the Russian Government for Indonesia, ranging from rapid acceptance in BRICS and rapid improvement in cooperation in a number of fields.

The President said that almost all areas that had been agreed upon by the two countries had made rapid progress, although there were a number of areas that needed to be accelerated.

Regarding this, he said he would handle and oversee the issue himself, especially related to the monetary relationship between the two parties.

On the same occasion, Putin conveyed an increase in economic and trade cooperation which last year rose 12.5 percent.

Specifically, Putin highlighted key sectors for cooperation between the two countries, including energy, space, agriculture, industry, and pharmaceuticals. He also highlighted Indonesia's membership in BRICS as opening up new opportunities to develop cooperation between the two countries.

Also accompanying Prabowo in the meeting were Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia, Foreign Minister Sugiono, and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya.

Reporter : Fathur Rochman