Prabowo, Anwar discuss strategic issues during Malaysia visit

Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim engaged in discussions covering strategic matters and bilateral relations during a luncheon hosted by Anwar on Thursday, coinciding with Prabowo's visit to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

"The meeting is an important symbol of Indonesia-Malaysia relations and strengthens bilateral relations in various sectors," according to the Presidential Secretariat's statement here.

PM Anwar welcomed President Prabowo at the porch of Rumah Tangsi, a historical landmark in Kuala Lumpur, upon the latter's arrival for the luncheon at the location.

The two leaders spent some time gazing over Kuala Lumpur's urban panorama, which features the iconic Petronas Towers, before entering the building complex.

They then attended an art exhibition showcasing Malaysian culture and history hosted at Rumah Tangsi before the luncheon. Anwar wore a light blue, silvery batik cloth, while Prabowo was dressed in a dark brown batik cloth for the occasion.

Anwar has chosen Rumah Tangsi as the venue to host state guests visiting Kuala Lumpur on multiple occasions, including a banquet for Singaporean PM Lawrence Wong on Monday (Jan 6).

The president arrived in Kuala Lumpur at 10 a.m. local time. He was accompanied by Foreign Minister Sugiono and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya during his visit. After the meeting with Anwar, Prabowo is expected to return to Indonesia on Thursday afternoon.

According to Malaysia's Foreign Ministry in its statement in Putrajaya, this marks Prabowo's first visit to Malaysia as Indonesian president.

The two leaders are set to discuss bilateral relations and explore cooperation in new potential areas to strengthen Indonesia-Malaysia ties.

As Malaysia embarks on its new duty as ASEAN chair in 2025, the two leaders are expected to exchange views on strengthening the development of the ASEAN Community and regional cooperation as well as addressing global challenges.

In line with Indonesia, Malaysia also viewed the visit as reflecting special relations between Malaysia and Indonesia and their expansive cooperation in various fields, including—but not limited to—economy, social and cultural, defense, and security.