The rapport between Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, was evident when the two met during the 11th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Vladivostok last week.
“My profound apologies for missing this important event due to urgent matters I needed to attend to back home but I’m now here to repay my debt,” Prabowo told Putin on Wednesday, referring to a missed invitation earlier to be the guest of honour at Russia’s National Day celebration on June 12.
Putin in turn referenced their “continued personal contact” and “strategic nature of the relationship between Russia and Indonesia”.
The EEF is an annual event to encourage investment and development in Russia’s far east. Delegations from some 50 countries such as China and Myanmar also attended, with Prabowo and Mongolian Prime Minister Nyam-Osoryn Uchral the two highest-ranked officials representing their countries.
But bonhomie aside, observers are divided on whether the Prabowo-Putin camaraderie will result in tangible results.