Cairo, April 12, 2025 – The Europe Today: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto was welcomed with full state honors by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi at the Al-Ittihadiya Palace in Cairo on Saturday, marking a significant diplomatic milestone during Prabowo’s ongoing Middle East tour.
The ceremonial reception, broadcast live via the Egyptian Presidential Palace’s official YouTube channel, took place at noon Cairo time (5 p.m. Jakarta time). The broadcast captured Prabowo’s arrival, dressed in a coordinated dark blue suit and traditional black peci hat, walking side by side with President El-Sisi, who donned a formal suit without headgear.
As the two leaders entered the palace complex, they were greeted with an official guard of honor and the national anthems of Indonesia (“Indonesia Raya”) and Egypt (“Bilady Bilady Bilady”), underscoring the ceremony’s diplomatic weight.
Key Bilateral Agenda
Following the welcoming ceremony, President Prabowo was scheduled to hold a one-on-one meeting with President El-Sisi. According to Yusuf Permana, deputy for protocol, press, and media at Prabowo’s secretariat, the discussion would focus on regional geopolitical issues, the ongoing situation in Gaza, and key strategic areas for bilateral cooperation.
A highlight of the visit is the anticipated signing of a Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership, signifying a deepening of Indonesia-Egypt relations across diverse sectors including trade, defense, and cultural exchange. The leaders are also expected to attend a state luncheon, bringing the official agenda to a close.
Middle East Diplomatic Tour
Egypt marks the third stop in President Prabowo’s diplomatic tour of the Middle East. His journey began in Abu Dhabi, where he was hosted by President Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan of the UAE, followed by a visit to Türkiye to participate in the 2025 Antalya Diplomacy Forum.
President Prabowo arrived in Cairo at 7:25 p.m. local time on Friday, continuing his engagement with key regional leaders. Upon completing his engagements in Egypt, he is set to travel to Doha, Qatar, the next destination on his tour.
This series of high-level diplomatic visits reflects Indonesia’s growing engagement in Middle Eastern affairs, as well as Prabowo’s strategic focus on strengthening global partnerships in his early tenure as President.
