Prabowo And Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi Discuss Defense Cooperation

Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto (left) took a photo with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the Ministry of Defense Office, Jakarta, Thursday (18/4/2024). (ANTARA/HO-Humas Kemhan)

JAKARTA - Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi discussed defense cooperation in closed bilateral meetings.

"We are committed to continuing to increase bilateral cooperation with Indonesia, both in the field of defense and other fields such as economy, social and culture," said Wang Yi as quoted by ANTARA, Thursday, April 18.

The defense cooperation discussed by Prabowo and Wang Yi includes education and military training, joint training, and the defense industry.

The statement also explains that the cooperation between education and training between Indonesia and China has been carried out since the 1970s.

Currently, a number of Indonesian defense personnel are studying in China, including at the Staff and Command School, as well as other military training programs. On the other hand, Chinese military personnel also participated in similar training at military educational institutions in Indonesia.

Meanwhile, Prabowo revealed that the meeting was based on mutual respect, understanding, and a common vision for the future accompanied by a collective commitment to advancing the partnership between the two countries in international collaboration.

In addition, Prabowo warmly welcomed and expressed his gratitude for Wang Yi's visit. According to him, China is a close partner of Indonesia who has been in close bilateral relations for a long time, especially in the defense sector.

"A great honor for me today to accept him, and thank you for the kind acceptance to me in Beijing a few weeks ago," Prabowo said.

On that occasion, Wang Yi also expressed his gratitude for Prabowo's recent visit to China.

"We really appreciate and welcome Defense Minister Prabowo's visit to China," said Wang.

Previously, Prabowo welcomed Wang Yi at 10.58 WIB. Prabowo approached Wang while greeting and shaking hands.

After that, they went to the reporters who asked for time to take pictures of the moment.

Prabowo together with Wang Yi then entered the lobby of the Ministry of Defense Office and was greeted by the "marching band" troops singing the national anthem Indonesia and China.

Furthermore, Prabowo and Wang Yi held a closing meeting for approximately an hour.

Wang Yi's group was then seen leaving the Ministry of Defense Office through the side door at 12.02 WIB.

Indonesia is the first destination of Wang Yi's international visit which runs from April 18 to April 23, 2024. After Indonesia, the Chinese diplomat will visit Cambodia and Papua New Guinea.