Macron Hails ⁢Prabowo as⁢ ‘Friend’ as Indonesian Troops ⁢Shine at Bastille Day Parade

Paris, France – French President Emmanuel Macron warmly welcomed Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto as a “friend” and expressed immense ⁤pride as a joint Indonesian military-police contingent marched alongside French troops in the prestigious 2025 Bastille Day military parade in Paris. President Prabowo attended⁣ the national day‍ celebrations as a guest of honour, marking a significant moment in the deepening ⁤strategic partnership between Indonesia and France.

A⁢ Symbol of Enduring Partnership

President⁤ Macron took to his X account, @EmmanuelMacron, to ⁢share his sentiments in Indonesian, stating, “Thank you for attending our ⁣national day celebrations, friend Prabowo.‍ I am proud to see‍ Indonesian soldiers marching alongside our troops.” The sight of the Indonesian contingent on the iconic Champs-Élysées ⁤evoked strong memories ⁣for Macron, recalling his visit to the ⁣Indonesian⁣ Military‍ Academy in⁤ Magelang, Central Java, in May.During that visit, he had the opportunity to meet Indonesian military personnel who were studying the French language.

“I have a fresh memory of my May visit, especially when I was ‍at the Military Academy in magelang⁤ at the heart of‍ java Island, where I met Indonesian soldiers who were learning French,”⁣ Macron added, highlighting the personal connection forged during his trip. He expressed his conviction that Indonesia’s participation in the national day event would serve to further strengthen the already harmonious‍ ties between the two nations. “From Jakarta to Paris, our strategic ⁤partnership will endure and ‍grow stronger,” he affirmed.

Indonesian Contingent Opens Historic Parade

The Indonesian⁢ contingent,officially designated ⁤the Patriot II Task Force,had the distinct honor of opening the Bastille Day parade. Comprising 451 personnel from the Indonesian military, police, and their respective academies, the unit featured a captivating drum band and majorette ensemble.⁢ As they passed the‍ high-level podium, the drum band played the stirring ⁤national song “Forward is not afraid,” a powerful display of national pride and military prowess.

President Prabowo, positioned on a special podium alongside President Macron,‍ First Lady brigitte, and other high-ranking French officials, stood in attention and saluted the marching Indonesian troops.President Macron, ⁤in turn, applauded their impressive performance, underscoring the mutual respect and admiration between the two leaders and their nations.

President Prabowo‍ conveyed his deep sense of‍ honor ‍and pride regarding the contingent’s participation. “It is an honor for me to be invited ⁢directly ‍by French President Emmanuel ⁣Macron to attend the Bastille Day celebrations,‍ France’s national day. I am proud of the indonesian contingent for its participation in the military⁢ parade,” he stated.

This significant ⁢event underscores the robust and evolving relationship between Indonesia and France, reinforcing⁣ their⁢ commitment to a shared future built on mutual respect and strategic cooperation.

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