Indonesia’s Prabowo to Engage with Egyptian and Malaysian Leaders During D-8 Summit

Indonesian Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto is set to meet Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi at the D-8 Summit in Cairo from December 17-19. He will also hold discussions with industry leaders and visit Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Indonesia will assume the D-8 chairmanship for 2026-2027 at this summit, emphasizing its commitment to fostering cooperation among developing nations.

Indonesian Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to meet with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi during the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation summit, taking place from December 17 to 19 in Cairo, Egypt. Prior to his departure from Jakarta, Prabowo emphasized the importance of this bilateral meeting, recognizing Egypt as a pivotal regional power and a strategic partner for Indonesia in the Middle East.

Following the summit, Minister Prabowo plans to engage in informal discussions with key economic and industry stakeholders before visiting Malaysia to confer with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. This trip marks an important step in Indonesia’s diplomatic efforts within the region. On December 16, spokesperson Rolliansyah Soemirat from the Indonesian Foreign Ministry confirmed that President Prabowo would take over the chairmanship of the D-8 Organization for the 2026-2027 period from Egypt.

As a representation of Indonesia, Minister Prabowo’s participation at the summit signifies the country’s commitment to fostering cooperation among developing nations, particularly within the Global South framework. He noted, “Indonesia will utilize the presence of the president to emphasize the role of D-8 to contribute positively to the appeal of the Global South to continue to increase cooperation,” suggesting a strategic drive toward strengthening collaborative ties in international economic governance.

This meeting not only focuses on bilateral relations but also underscores Indonesia’s broader vision for economic cooperation with other nations in the region. After his departure from Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base at 11:38 a.m. local time, Prabowo’s engagements are seen as vital for enhancing Indonesia’s influence and relationships in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

The D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, comprising eight countries from the Global South, aims to enhance economic collaboration and political cooperation among member states. The upcoming summit in Cairo serves as a platform not only for policy discussions but also for bilateral engagements that can lead to significant diplomatic advancements. Indonesia, as the incoming chair for 2026-2027, is poised to influence the direction of D-8 initiatives, particularly in nurturing economic partnerships and bolstering its regional presence. Meetings with leaders like el-Sisi and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim align with Indonesia’s strategic interests in enhancing its role in international forums and addressing shared challenges with regional neighbors.

In summary, Minister Prabowo’s forthcoming engagements in Cairo represent a strategic move for Indonesia to strengthen its bilateral ties with Egypt and Malaysia following the D-8 Summit. His discussions with significant regional leaders will play a crucial role in defining the trajectory of Indonesia’s diplomatic endeavors within the Global South. By prioritizing these meetings, Indonesia aims to enhance economic cooperation and assert its influence within the international community.

Original Source: en.antaranews.com