8-11-2024 (JAKARTA) President Prabowo Subianto has selected China as his first overseas destination since taking office, marking the beginning of his international diplomatic engagements as Indonesia’s head of state.
Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi confirmed on Friday that the choice of China as the initial visit responds to a longstanding invitation from Beijing, particularly timed to align with the President’s upcoming attendance at major international forums.
“This visit fulfils an existing invitation from our Chinese counterparts, who suggested President Prabowo could include Beijing in his journey en route to the G20 and APEC summits,” Hadi explained at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base.
The President’s Chinese visit, extending until 10 November 2024, will include crucial bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. From there, Prabowo will proceed to Peru for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, followed by the G20 leaders’ meeting in Brazil.
The presidential delegation notably includes Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono and Minister of Housing and Settlement Areas Maruarar Sirait. Addressing queries about their participation, Hadi emphasised that their presence aims to advance specific bilateral cooperation initiatives with China.
“Their involvement is directly linked to developing collaborative partnerships with the Chinese government across their respective portfolios,” Hadi stated.
This China visit initiates a comprehensive diplomatic tour that will see President Prabowo visiting several strategic international partners. His itinerary includes stops in the United States, Peru, Brazil, the United Kingdom, and various Middle Eastern nations.
