RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto brought a personal touch to his first official meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin on Monday, offering Easter greetings and acknowledging Russia’s celebrated Cosmonautics Day.

“I extend congratulations on Easter, and I also know that yesterday, April 12, was Cosmonautics Day in Russia, which has had a major influence worldwide,” President Prabowo said, as quoted by Antara.

He noted that Russia’s space legacy resonates even in Indonesia, where many children are named after Yuri Gagarin. Putin welcomed the gesture, stressing Russia’s tradition as a multi-confessional nation that celebrates diverse religious holidays.

“We are very pleased to receive Easter greetings, especially from the head of state of the world’s largest Muslim-majority country. Our nation celebrates all religious holidays together with our fellow citizens of different faiths,” he said.

Beyond cultural exchanges, the two leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in key sectors including economy, energy, space, agriculture, industry, and pharmaceuticals.

President Prabowo expressed appreciation for Russia’s support of Indonesia’s swift admission into BRICS and noted rapid progress across most areas of cooperation, while pledging to personally oversee issues related to monetary relations.

Putin highlighted that bilateral trade had grown by 12.5 percent in the past year and pointed to Indonesia’s BRICS membership as opening new opportunities for collaboration. He emphasized energy, space, agriculture, industry, and pharmaceuticals as priority areas for future partnership.

Accompanying Presdient Prabowo in Moscow were Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia, Foreign Minister Sugiono, and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya. ***