Visited By The Russian Ambassador, Defense Minister Prabowo Hopes To Build Defense Cooperation

Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto (left) received a visit from the Russian Ambassador to Indonesia Sergei Gennadievich Tolchenov at the Ministry of Defense Office, Jakarta, Monday (9/9/2024). ANTARA/HO-Biro Public Relations Secretariat General of the Indonesian Ministry of Defense

JAKARTA - Indonesian Defense Minister (Menhan) Prabowo Subianto hopes that Indonesia will establish defense cooperation with Russia.

This was conveyed by Prabowo when receiving a visit from the Russian Ambassador to Indonesia Sergei Gennadievich Tolchenov at the Ministry of Defense Office, Jakarta, Monday 9 September.

"I hope we can deepen cooperation in the defense sector. Together, we can overcome the challenges of mutual security, and contribute to global peace and prosperity," Prabowo told the Russian Ambassador as quoted from the official broadcast of the Indonesian Ministry of Defense, Tuesday, September 10, which was confiscated by Antara.

On that occasion, Defense Minister Prabowo also expressed his gratitude for the visit of Ambassador Tolchenov.

The Tolchenov Ambassador officially assumed a new assignment as a Russian representative for Indonesia to replace Ambassador Lyudmila Vorobieva, who in November 2023 also said goodbye to the ranks of Indonesian Ministry of Defense officials before returning to his country.

Defense Minister Prabowo in a series of his overseas trips to several European countries at the end of July 2024 also visited Moscow and met Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin Presidential Palace.

During the meeting, Prabowo and Putin discussed a number of strategic issues, including those related to the free trade zone agreement between the Eurasian and Indonesian Economic Unions, investment and defense cooperation.

Prabowo in his meeting with Putin also supported Russia's plan to open the Consulate General's Office in Bali.

Indonesia and Russia this year commemorate their 75 years of diplomatic relations. Two countries have collaborated in various fields, especially defense, one of which is joint training between the Indonesian Navy and the Russian navy in Surabaya, East Java, which is scheduled to take place for the first time in November 2024.