Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi visited Indonesia on October 10-11, 2026, at the invitation of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. The two leaders held bilateral talks, witnessing the signing of four memoranda of understanding on maritime affairs, statistical cooperation, a strategic partnership action plan, and visa waivers for diplomatic passport holders. This strengthened cooperation follows President Prabowo's previous trips to Egypt in December 2024, April 2025, and October 2025.
The leaders agreed to broaden defence and security cooperation, enhancing national capabilities and expanding trade and economic ties. They pledged to improve market access, encourage business and investment engagement, and advance joint manufacturing projects in priority sectors. This cooperation aims to strengthen economic relationships between the two nations, fostering growth and development.
Egypt and Indonesia also committed to deepening people-to-people links through education, culture, language, and youth programmes. They supported academic and institutional partnerships, student and school exchanges, and mutually agreed capacity-building and technical-cooperation programmes. Al-Azhar University's decision to include Indonesian in its Faculty of Languages and Translation was welcomed, with President Prabowo encouraging stronger cooperation in Arabic-language education.
On Palestine, the leaders expressed grave concern over continuing violence and Israeli military operations in the occupied Palestinian territory. They condemned Israeli settlement policies and activities as illegal, calling for their immediate cessation in line with international law and UN resolutions. Both countries rejected the forced displacement of Palestinians and called for de-escalation in the Gulf.
Water security was another key discussion topic, with the presidents acknowledging the growing effects of climate change and water scarcity. Indonesia recognised the vital importance of Nile water security to Egypt, with President Prabowo expressing regret over violations of international law or attempts to infringe on nations' water rights. He voiced support for Egypt's efforts to safeguard those rights.
The visit included an official ceremony with national anthems, a 21-gun salute, and an inspection of the guard of honour. President el-Sisi signed the guestbook, and the leaders posed for a commemorative photograph. The strengthened ties between Egypt and Indonesia reflect their shared commitment to cooperation and regional stability.
The strategic partnership between Egypt and Indonesia demonstrates a shared vision for enhanced cooperation in various sectors. Key areas of cooperation include defence, trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges. Both nations have reaffirmed their support for Palestinian statehood and rejected forced displacement, emphasizing the need for de-escalation and adherence to international law.
Key points
- Egypt and Indonesia have deepened their strategic partnership, covering defence, trade, and investment.
- The two nations have expressed grave concern over the situation in Palestine, condemning Israeli settlement policies and calling for de-escalation.
- Egypt and Indonesia have also discussed water security, with Indonesia recognising the importance of Nile water security to Egypt.
