JAKARTA, Oct 12 – President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with his Indonesian counterpart, President Prabowo Subianto, at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, discussing regional crises and bilateral relations.
During their talks, El-Sisi also underlined the Nile River’s existential importance for Egypt, while Prabowo expressed support for Egypt’s efforts to protect its water rights, the Egyptian Presidency said in a statement.
Prabowo received El-Sisi upon his arrival at the palace, where an official reception ceremony was held.
The ceremony featured the playing of the national anthems of both countries, a 21-gun salute, and an inspection of the guard of honor. It also included taking a commemorative photo, and signing of the guestbook by El-Sisi.
Cooperation Deals Signed
The two presidents held a bilateral meeting that was followed by an expanded session that included delegations from the two countries.
Prabowo affirmed Indonesia’s interest in advancing cooperation with Egypt across various fields and enhancing political consultation on regional and international issues.
After concluding the talks, the two presidents witnessed the signing of four memoranda of understanding between Egypt and Indonesia covering cooperation in maritime affairs and fisheries, statistical cooperation, a strategic partnership action plan, and visa waivers for holders of diplomatic, official, and special passports.
They subsequently held a joint press conference.
Nile River ‘Lifeline’ for Egyptians
With regard to the Nile River issue, the Indonesian President expressed regret over any violations of international law or attempts to infringe upon the water rights of nations, affirming his support for Egypt’s efforts to safeguard its water rights.
El-Sisi underscored the Nile River’s existential importance to Egypt, describing the Nile as the “lifeline” of the Egyptian people.
He also reaffirmed Egypt’s rejection of any unilateral measures that could threaten its water security.
“I stressed Egypt’s adherence to its water rights and its categorical rejection of any unilateral measures that could harm its water security or undermine its historical and acquired rights,” El-Sisi said.
Boosting Bilateral Ties
In his remarks, President El-Sisi emphasized that Egypt and Indonesia have embarked on a new chapter in their bilateral relations and that Egypt is committed to robust and effective cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
The President expressed his appreciation for Indonesian President for the warm reception.
“You have honored us, may Allah the Almighty honor you and preserve you,” El-Sisi said during the press conference.
El-Sisi expressed appreciation for the growing momentum in relations between Egypt and Indonesia, particularly following Prabowo’s visit to Egypt in April 2025.
He highlighted that the visit had culminated in the announcement elevating our bilateral relations to the level of a strategic partnership.
“This has opened broader horizons for strengthening cooperation in various fields, in pursuit of the mutual interests of our two countries and brotherly peoples,” El-Sisi said.
Egypt and Indonesia also share deep-rooted historical and cultural ties, El-Sisi added.
He underscored the fact that Egypt was among the first countries to recognize Indonesia’s independence and establish diplomatic relations with it in 1947.
The two countries have also consistently united in advancing the interests of the countries of the Global South, particularly since Egypt’s participation in the historic Bandung Conference, which laid the foundation for the Non-Aligned Movement, El-Sisi said.
Elevating Trade, Economic Ties
El-Sisi said his discussions with his Indonesian counterpart reaffirmed the two countries’ shared determination to translate the historic relations and strategic partnership into tangible programs and cooperation projects.
The implementation of these initiatives will be followed up by the relevant authorities in both countries, he added.
El-Sisi said he agreed with Prabowo to give particular priority to enhancing economic and trade cooperation, in a manner commensurate with the considerable potential of our two countries.
They also agreed to work toward increasing the volume of bilateral trade to $5 billion by 2030, while continuing efforts to remove any obstacles that may hinder the achievement of this goal.
The discussions addressed opportunities to expand joint manufacturing projects in priority sectors.
“Egypt is keen to encourage Indonesian companies to increase their investments in the Egyptian market,” El-Sisi said.
“This builds on Egypt’s position as a regional hub for production and exports and a strategic gateway to Arab, African, and international markets.”
Furthermore, the two leaders explored means to bolster cultural and educational cooperation, as one of the most important pillars of the historic relations between the two countries.
“In this regard, I welcomed the continued annual reception by Egypt of thousands of Indonesian students who come to study at Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and various Egyptian universities.”
“We are keen to ensure that this academic and cultural exchange remains a strong bridge for fostering the bonds of fraternity, friendship, and mutual understanding between the two countries.”
Palestinian Cause, Regional Crises
El-Sisi said Egypt and Indonesia continue to play an influential role in supporting security and stability in their respective regional surroundings.
He affirmed their shared commitment to coordinating and consulting on various regional and international issues of common interest.
The two leaders held in-depth talks on current regional and international developments.
“We concurred on the serious danger of the ongoing conflicts and disputes in many parts of the world, given the direct threat they represent to regional and international security and stability,” El-Sisi said.
“From this standpoint, we affirmed the importance of prioritizing dialogue and diplomatic means in resolving crises, giving priority to achieving peace and boosting development efforts, while respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states and refraining from interference in their internal affairs.”
Rejecting Israeli Practices, Displacement
El-Sisi expressed Egypt’s condemnation of systematic attacks against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
He said his views converged with Prabowo on the principles and references needed to achieve a comprehensive and just settlement of the Palestinian cause, leading to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the June 4, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
“This is the sole viable path toward achieving a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace in the region.”
El-Sisi also affirmed the need to ensure the full, safe, and sustained delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
He reaffirmed Egypt’s categorical rejection of any attempts to forcibly displace Palestinians, liquidate their cause, or impose demographic changes on Palestinian territories.
The Egyptian president expressed his appreciation for Prabowo’s participation in the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit in October 2025, where the document on Gaza ceasefire was signed.
He also praised Indonesia’s role as a member of the Board of Peace in supporting efforts to stabilize the situation, protect civilians, rebuild Gaza, and deliver humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people.
Horn of Africa, Red Sea
The two leaders also discussed the situation in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.
“We reaffirmed the importance of supporting de-escalation efforts and reaching political settlements to the various crises, as the only means of achieving sustainable security and stability.”
Inviting Indonesian President to Egypt
El-Sisi said he looks forward to continuing his joint efforts alongside Prabowo to elevate Egyptian-Indonesian relations to broader horizons.
He invited Prabowo to visit Egypt for continued consultation on bilateral relations and global issues.
“I also look forward to welcoming Your Excellency to Egypt at the earliest opportunity, in order to continue consultation and coordination on the various bilateral, regional, and international issues of common interest.”
“I wish the Republic of Indonesia and its brotherly people continued progress, prosperity, and stability.” – Egypt Today
