New Delhi – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto held a state meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at India’s state residence, Hyderabad House in New Delhi, on Saturday (25/1) afternoon local time.

In his official statement with Modi after the meeting, Prabowo said he and Modi had a very intensive and open discussion. He also thanked Modi for being well received during his first state visit to India.

‘We had very intensive and frank discussions between Prime Minister Modi and his government and me and my government team,’ Prabowo said.

Prabowo said the two sides discussed many key sectors of mutual interest. ‘Of course, in the economic field, it is very important and I have given direction to my team to speed up, cut red tape,’ Prabowo explained.

He went on to say that he was very honoured that he will be the chief guest tomorrow, Sunday at the Republic Day parade.

‘And since the first chief guest at the first Republic of India Day Parade was President Sukarno, it is a great honour for me that I will be representing Indonesia tomorrow,’ he said.

Prabowo emphasised that the parade will be the first time an Indonesian military contingent has participated in a military parade abroad.

‘To all the people of India, may prosperity and success always be with India. Indonesia considers India an old friend. In our struggle for independence, history tells us that India was one of the strongest supporters of our independence struggle,’ Prabowo said.

Prabowo reminded that India was one of the countries that sent aid, finance, medical assistance in Indonesia’s independence struggle in the past. There were many Indian leaders who supported Indonesia at that time.

‘So this shows how deep our relationship is and Indonesia will never forget this support. Therefore, we consider this partnership very important and we want to increase cooperation between us,’ he said. (RR)