President Prabowo Subianto warmly welcomed the visit of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba of Japan at the majestic Bogor Palace in Bogor, West Java, on Saturday morning. The visit marks a significant diplomatic milestone as Prime Minister Ishiba is the first foreign leader to be received by President Prabowo at the Bogor Palace since his inauguration on October 20, 2024.
**Historic Meeting at Bogor Palace**
The prime minister and his delegation arrived at the palace at 10 a.m. Western Indonesia Time (WIB) after paying respects at the Main National Heroes Cemetery in Jakarta. Upon their arrival, they were greeted by a grand display of cavalry troops at the palace gate. Both leaders, clad in elegant gray suits, participated in a formal welcoming ceremony where the national anthems of Indonesia and Japan resonated through the air, complemented by cannon blasts, symbolizing the strengthening of ties between the two nations.
**Bilateral Talks and Diplomatic Discussions**
Following the ceremonial reception, Prime Minister Ishiba signed the guest book alongside President Prabowo, signifying the start of their discussions. The two leaders engaged in a tête-à-tête meeting at the president’s office, delving into various bilateral issues of mutual interest. Subsequently, a comprehensive bilateral meeting was held with delegations from both the Indonesian and Japanese governments in attendance.
The Indonesian delegation, representing the Red and White cabinet, included esteemed ministers such as Foreign Affairs Minister Sugiono, Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, and Investment and Downstreaming Minister Rosan P. Roeslani. The discussions were aimed at enhancing cooperation in various sectors, including trade, defense, and investment, to foster greater economic and strategic partnerships between the two nations.
**Joint Press Conference and Farewell**
After the fruitful discussions, President Prabowo and Prime Minister Ishiba are set to address the media in a joint press conference, highlighting the outcomes of their meeting and the shared vision for the future. Following the conclusion of the state visit, Prime Minister Ishiba will depart from the Bogor Palace and head back to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, marking the end of his visit to Indonesia.
The visit of Prime Minister Ishiba underscores the strong and enduring friendship between Indonesia and Japan, reflecting a commitment to further deepen cooperation and strengthen diplomatic ties for the mutual benefit of both nations.
As the sun sets on the historic meeting at the Bogor Palace, the echoes of camaraderie and collaboration resonate, paving the way for a brighter future of partnership between Indonesia and Japan.
