Putin hopes Indonesian president’s visit will boost trade growth

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday said he hopes Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to Moscow will help sustain growth in bilateral trade.

In opening remarks at their meeting in the Russian capital, Putin said the strategic nature of Moscow-Jakarta ties is reflected primarily in the economic sphere, noting that trade turnover grew by 12.5% last year.

“Unfortunately, there was some adjustment at the beginning of this year, but our intergovernmental commission is actively working. I hope your visit will help us find the necessary solution to ensure that the situation remains stable and continues to show growth this year,” Putin said.

He added that both sides have identified key areas of cooperation, including energy, agriculture, and industry, while emphasizing the importance of humanitarian ties such as culture and education.

“And, of course, our foreign ministries work intensively and in close contact with each other at all international venues. Indonesia has become a full member of BRICS, and this is also another opportunity for cooperation, just like between Indonesia and the Eurasian Economic Union,” Putin added.

For his part, Subianto said his visit aims first to express gratitude for Russia’s support, particularly the swift process of Indonesia’s accession to BRICS.

He also said he sought consultations with Putin on current geopolitical developments.

“We see Russia's undeniable positive contribution to contemporary geopolitical developments and to those geopolitical processes that are currently fraught with uncertainty,” Subianto said.

He added that it is important to hold joint consultations, assess developments, and discuss priority areas of cooperation, particularly in the economic and energy sectors.

Putin and Subianto last met in December in Moscow, when the Russian leader highlighted prospects for cooperation in energy, including nuclear power generation.

“I know your country has similar plans, and we are always available if you consider engaging our specialists,” Putin said then.