Prabowo Subianto Visits Malaysian King to Strengthen Defense Ties
Kuala Lumpur, The Gulf Observer: Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto met with the King of Malaysia, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, at the Malaysian State Palace in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday, September 7. The visit is part of Prabowo’s Southeast Asia tour, which concluded in Malaysia.
In a statement released by the Indonesian Defense Ministry on Sunday, Prabowo reaffirmed Indonesia’s dedication to enhancing defense relations with Malaysia and underscored the shared cultural bonds between the two nations.
“I appreciate the strong relationship between our two countries and will continue to strive to improve cooperation, especially in the defense sector,” Prabowo said during the meeting. He expressed gratitude for the King’s good wishes and emphasized his hope for a growing partnership that benefits both nations.
Prabowo also expressed optimism that the upcoming 44th General Border Committee (GBC) Malaysia-Indonesia (Malindo) meeting, scheduled to be hosted by Malaysia this year, will further solidify the commitment of both countries to mutual security and prosperity.
Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar shared details of the one-hour discussion on his official Facebook account, noting that the conversation covered various regional and international issues. The post highlighted the longstanding friendly relationship between the Malaysian monarch and the Indonesian incoming head of state, recalling their joint participation in a military exercise at Fort Bragg, United States, nearly four decades ago.
Prabowo’s visit to Malaysia marked the end of his Southeast Asia tour, which began on September 5. His journey included meetings with regional leaders, including Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Darussalam, Laotian President Thongloun Sisoulith, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Senate President Hun Sen, and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her father Thaksin Shinawatra, to discuss potential defense collaborations and regional cooperation.
