Indonesian President-elect and Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto has held talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Prabowo stressed he will strengthen ties with ASEAN countries.

Indonesia's Defense Ministry says Prabowo told Anwar on Thursday that "improving defense will continue to be a top priority." He said Indonesia seeks closer relations with friendly countries, especially Malaysia and other ASEAN members.

Anwar congratulated Prabowo for his victory in February's presidential election. He said he hopes the friendly ties between their two countries will be maintained and strengthened for mutual benefit.

Prabowo is scheduled to assume the presidency in October. But his two rivals have filed cases with the Constitutional Court, claiming the election was rigged.

Prabowo is making his first overseas trip since the vote. He flew to Bejing and held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday.

On the second leg, Prabowo met Wednesday with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio in Tokyo. Prabowo's back-to-back visits to neighboring countries are seen aimed at asserting the legitimacy of his election and signaling he has support from the international community.