President Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia and President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt held a significant bilateral meeting on December 18, 2024, at the Al Ittihadiya Presidential Palace in Cairo. This meeting, part of President Prabowo’s state visit to Egypt, marked a momentous occasion in strengthening the ties between the two nations, focusing on areas of trade, cultural cooperation, and regional peace.
During the meeting, President Prabowo expressed his gratitude for the warm reception extended by the Egyptian government and people. “It is an honor for me to make the first state visit by an Indonesian President in the last 10 years,” President Prabowo remarked, highlighting the importance of the occasion.
In his remarks, President Prabowo emphasized Egypt’s historical significance in Indonesia’s journey to independence, recalling that Egypt was the first country to recognize Indonesia’s sovereignty during its fight against colonial rule. “Egypt holds a special place in the hearts of the Indonesian people because Egypt was the first country to recognize Indonesia’s independence,” he said.
The discussion between the two leaders was described as both warm and productive, with a strong focus on enhancing bilateral cooperation in several key areas. One of the most important topics was strengthening trade relations. President Prabowo proposed the establishment of a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between Indonesia and Egypt to further deepen economic ties.
In addition to economic cooperation, the leaders discussed the growing cultural exchanges between the two nations. President Prabowo noted the increasing popularity of Indonesia’s traditional martial art, pencak silat, among Egyptian youth. “I received reports that around 4,000 more Egyptian youths are learning pencak silat,” President Prabowo shared, emphasizing the importance of cultural diplomacy in fostering closer ties between the two nations.
Both leaders also turned their attention to regional and global issues, with a particular focus on the ongoing conflict in Palestine. The two Presidents reiterated their commitment to supporting the Palestinian struggle for independence and a peaceful two-state solution. “We will work together with Egypt to seek an urgent peace solution for Palestine and the region,” President Prabowo stated, underscoring Indonesia’s strong support for Palestine’s independence.
Additionally, both leaders agreed to continue their joint efforts in promoting moderate Islam, a core value shared by both Indonesia and Egypt. “Our Islam, our commonality is moderate Islam. And we must maintain this and promote it, so that we can also combat extremism and Islamophobia,” said President Prabowo. This mutual commitment to promoting tolerance and inclusivity is seen as crucial in combating global challenges such as extremism and Islamophobia.
President El-Sisi, for his part, reaffirmed Egypt’s support for strengthening ties with Indonesia, particularly in the fields of education and cultural exchange. He assured President Prabowo that Egypt would provide full support to Indonesian students studying in Egypt. “We are ready to support and provide facilities as desired by Indonesia,” President El-Sisi said, emphasizing Egypt’s commitment to facilitating educational exchanges between the two nations.
This bilateral meeting highlights the deep and growing relationship between Indonesia and Egypt, based on shared historical ties, mutual respect, and a common vision for peace, prosperity, and cultural exchange. Both Presidents expressed their hope for continued collaboration in various fields, which will strengthen the bond between their peoples and contribute to peace and stability in the region and beyond.
The meeting concluded with both leaders agreeing to pursue further discussions on key issues and to continue fostering cooperation in trade, culture, education, and regional peace initiatives.