Indonesia's president-elect Prabowo Subianto has met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. The two said they would further strengthen bilateral relations.

Prabowo is Indonesia's current Defense Minister. He is set to be inaugurated as the country's new president in October.

He said his administration will strengthen its partnership with Russia in a variety of areas, including energy and defense.

He said Indonesia considers "Russia as a great friend and I would like to continue to maintain and enhance this relationship."

Putin said his government has deepened economic ties with Indonesia despite Western sanctions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

He added that despite the pandemic and all the events that are happening around Russia, including associated restrictions, their trade has been growing. He called it a very positive trend.

Indonesia's next president has been stepping up his diplomatic outreach. In April, he met with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio following a visit to China.
Prabowo and Kishida agreed to increase cooperation on a range of issues including national security.

Prabowo has expressed his intention to strike a diplomatic balance and bolster ties with countries that maximize national interests.