Jakarta, May 15 -- Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto stated that Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's choice of Indonesia as his first overseas destination after re-election further strengthens the friendship between both nations.

During a bilateral meeting with the Indonesian and Australian delegations at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Thursday, Prabowo welcomed the opportunity to meet Albanese since their last encounter in Lima, Peru.

"Our relationship has been good and quite close. Your visit today reaffirms this friendship, and we greatly appreciate it," Prabowo stated.

In his remarks, the president expressed his honor in welcoming Albanese, noting that Indonesia was the first country the Australian leader visited afte...