Indonesia, Canada deepen ties as President Prabowo meets PM Carney

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto held a one-on-one meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in Ottawa on Wednesday, celebrating what both leaders described as the deep and enduring friendship between their nations.

The Indonesian Cabinet Secretariat, in a statement cited on Thursday, called the high-level talks valuable momentum for Indonesia and Canada to strengthen cooperation across strategic areas.

Speaking after the dialogue at Parliament Hill, Prabowo said Indonesia and Canada have long enjoyed a harmonious bond. He praised Canada as “a very responsible, mature, leading power of the West” that shows genuine concern for developing countries and the Global South.

“Canada has always been present in many programs concerning poverty alleviation and to assist in health, agriculture, and fisheries,” Prabowo remarked at a joint press conference with Carney.

The Indonesian president also noted close collaboration in peacebuilding, recalling that many Indonesian troops had served under Canadian commanders in peacekeeping operations worldwide.

He expressed appreciation for the strong defense ties between the two countries and voiced plans to expand educational cooperation by sending more Indonesian youth to study in Canada.

Prabowo further lauded Canada for its leadership on the global stage and for the multifaceted cooperation it continues to foster with Indonesia.

On the occasion, he also apologized for being unable to attend the G7 Summit in June, while thanking the Canadian government for its warm reception in Ottawa.

“So, Prime Minister, thank you very much. I was also very well received by your Governor General [Mary Simon]. I hope to host you in Indonesia,” he told Carney.

The meeting reflected both leaders’ strong commitment to advancing Indonesia–Canada cooperation in economic development, security, welfare, and peacebuilding.

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