He highlighted that Jokowi fully understands the complex nature of the lengthy negotiations, which began in 2016 during the former president’s first term in office.
“He (Jokowi) knows how arduous it was to negotiate the agreement. Current global uncertainty eventually prompted Indonesia and the European Union to fast-track the talks, and thank God, we did it,” Prabowo told reporters in Jokowi’s courtyard after the meeting on Sunday.
The head of state also shared that he told his predecessor about how he was warmly received by European leaders during his recent visit to Brussels, Belgium.
“Indonesia received very honorable treatment when the president of the European Commission and the president of the European Council took their time to meet me on a Sunday, which is typically strictly a day off in the West,” he said.
Prabowo was received by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa at the EU Headquarters in Brussels on Sunday, July 13.
He and von der Leyen announced the conclusion of negotiations on the IEU-CEPA, which will be formally signed in the Belgian capital in September 2025.
He also highlighted his private meeting with King Philippe of Belgium that afternoon.
“I was received by the King on Sunday afternoon at his palace in Brussels. Note that the monarch was initially away from Brussels, but he was willing to return to meet me,” he said.
Prabowo arrived at Jokowi’s home at around 6 p.m. local time and was welcomed by the former president and his wife Iriana at the entrance.
Accompanied by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, the president spent approximately one hour with his predecessor.
Afterwards, he left for a congress of the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) in the city.
Related news: President Prabowo meets predecessor Joko Widodo in Surakarta
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Translator: Genta T/Mentari D, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Primayanti
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