Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto stated that Fiji is an important partner and “good friend” of Indonesia, adding that the two countries share several similarities.
Prabowo explained that diplomatic relations between the two countries had been established since 1919.
He affirmed that the two countries share similarities as archipelagic countries as well as similar interests and challenges.
The president remarked that both Indonesia and Fiji uphold the principles of mutual respect between nations, including the principles of sovereignty, independence, and equal rights.
Both countries also have the same challenges in realising a good and prosperous life for their people.
At Thursday’s meeting, Prabowo said that Indonesia and Fiji face the same challenges in climate change and rising sea levels.
President Prabowo Subianto received the official visit of Prime Minister Rabuka at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Thursday, marking the first official visit from a leader of the country.
The visit of Prime Minister Rabuka and his delegation to Indonesia marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Fiji.
The prime minister and his entourage arrived at the Merdeka Palace and was welcomed by the guard of honour, cavalry troops, and elementary students waving the national flags of Indonesia and Fiji.
At the meeting, the two countries are committed to strengthening cooperation in various fields, such as politics, defence, and the economy.
Prabowo invited Fiji to conduct a joint military exercise in Indonesia as part of the bilateral defence cooperation. He also encouraged Fiji to send its youth to study in Indonesia.
