ASIATODAY.ID, CAIRO – The President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, held a bilateral meeting with the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Abdel Fattah El-sisi, at the Al Ittihadiya Presidential Palace, Cairo, Egypt, 18 December 2024.
During the meeting, President Prabowo emphasized the importance of Egypt in Indonesia’s historical and diplomatic relations.
President Prabowo explained that Egypt was the first country to recognize Indonesia’s independence.
“Egypt for the Indonesian people has a special place in our hearts because Egypt was the first country to recognize the independence of the Indonesian people when we carried out our war of independence against the colonialists,” said President Prabowo.
The meeting between the two leaders was said to be warm and productive, with a focus on increasing cooperation in various fields. One of them, Indonesia is pushing for the formation of a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) to strengthen trade relations between the two countries.
President Prabowo also highlighted cultural cooperation, including the promotion of pencak silat which is increasingly in demand by Egypt’s young generation.
“I received reports that more than 4 thousand Egyptian young people are learning pencak silat,” said President Prabowo.
On regional issues, especially Palestine, the two leaders agreed to continue supporting the struggle for Palestinian independence and a two-state solution. President Prabowo also praised Egypt’s strategic role as a peace mediator and hub for humanitarian aid to Gaza.
“We will work together with Egypt to find an urgent peace solution for Palestine and the region. And of course we support Palestinian independence and a two-state solution,” stressed President Prabowo.
The two countries, which have a majority Muslim population, also emphasized their joint commitment to promoting moderate Islam that is tolerant and inclusive. This is important as an effort to fight extremism and Islamophobia.
“Our Islam, our commonality is moderate Islam. And we must maintain this and promote this, so that we can also fight extremism and Islamophobia,” said President Prabowo.
Meanwhile, President El-Sisi expressed his commitment to increasing cooperation between Indonesia and Egypt in various fields. In fact, the Egyptian government will fully support Indonesian students studying in Egypt.
“We are ready to support and provide facilities according to what Indonesia wants,” said President El-Sisi. (AT Network)
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