Indonesian president Prabowo visits China on 1st overseas trip

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Friday flew to China, his first overseas trip since being inaugurated last month.

The state visit to China is part of Prabowo’s two-week, multi-nation tour which includes stops in the US, Brazil, and Peru.

At the invitation of the Chinese side, Prabowo, 73, will hold bilateral talks with China’s President Xi Jinping in Beijing. The two sides are expected to hold deliberations on bilateral as well as regional and international issues.

Later, he will fly to Washington at the invitation of Joe Biden, the outgoing US president.

In Peru, the former military general will represent the Southeast Asia powerhouse at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation annual meeting.

Later, he will fly to Brazil for a G20 summit.

On his way back to Jakarta, Prabowo is expected to meet British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London.

He may also visit some Middle East nations, according to the Jakarta Globe daily.

“This shows how Indonesia is truly respected (by other countries) as seen in how they find it necessary to invite us for both bilateral and multilateral talks to discuss crucial matters that go beyond the economic sphere, but also those related to the existing geopolitical tensions,” said Prabowo before taking off off from Jakarta’s Halim Perdanakusuma air force base.

“Many (countries) are looking forward to seeing Indonesia's role and stance. It is an honor for us. We will maintain good ties with everyone,” he said