Europe
France's President Emmanuel Macron (left) welcomes President Prabowo Subianto on May 28 ahead of a meeting at the Élysée Presidential Palace in Paris. (AFP/Ludovic Marin)
French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed President Prabowo Subianto to the Élysée Palace on Thursday for talks focused on expanding defense ties and advancing a long-stalled trade agreement between Indonesia and the European Union.Speaking during a joint press statement ahead of the meeting, Prabowo said the talks would focus on several strategic issues, including the Indonesia-European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU-CEPA).
Prabowo described Indonesia-France relations as being at “their strongest point”, praising Macron’s leadership in strengthening bilateral ties and encouraging greater engagement with Southeast Asia’s largest economy.
He also welcomed the continued expansion of French investment in Indonesia, including through the establishment of the France–Indonesia High-Level Business Council.
