Prabowo says Pacific must be bridge between Indonesia and Russia

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto said on Thursday that the Pacific Ocean must serve as a bridge between Indonesia and Russia rather than a barrier, as he called for closer economic ties between the two countries.Prabowo was speaking as the main guest of honour at the 11th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Russia's Far East city of Vladivostok.

“The Pacific does not separate us. The Pacific connects us. The Pacific is not a wall between us. The Pacific is a highway for both of our economies,” he said.

According to the president, Vladivostok also feels relatively close to home because both Russia and Indonesia have territories bordering the Pacific Ocean.

“However, Vladivostok also feels relatively close to my home. The same great ocean, the Pacific Ocean, touches the shores of Russia as well as Indonesia,” he said.

Prabowo said the geographical proximity was one of the reasons Indonesia was seeking to build stronger bridges with Russia’s Far East and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

The president explained that Indonesia is located between the Indian and Pacific oceans, while both Russia’s Far East and Indonesia have vast territories. This, he said, presents an opportunity to strengthen ties between the two regions.

Prabowo also linked the theme of the 11th EEF, “The Far East: Development for the Benefit of the People,” to the mandate he received from the Indonesian people.

Prabowo said his visit marked the fifth time he has met Russian President Vladimir Putin since taking office, while also thanking Putin and the Russian government for inviting him to speak at the forum.

“Today, in fact, marks the fifth time since I became President of Indonesia that I have met with President Putin,” Prabowo said. He added that he hoped to reciprocate Russia's hospitality by welcoming Putin and other Russian officials to Indonesia.

Baca juga: Presiden Prabowo sebagai tamu kehormatan EEF di Rusia

Prabowo is in Vladivostok for the EEF, held from Sept. 1-4, as Russia seeks to deepen economic ties with Asia-Pacific countries through trade, investment and energy cooperation.

His visit is also aimed at strengthening Indonesia-Russia bilateral ties, particularly in the economic sector.