Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi met with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at the Indonesian Presidential Palace in Jakarta. The meeting was attended by the Egyptian and Indonesian delegations, and the two leaders discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations. According to the Egyptian presidency, President el-Sisi expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome and highlighted the significance of continuing to develop the strategic partnership between the two countries.
The two leaders held a bilateral meeting followed by an expanded session with the participation of their respective delegations. They reviewed the current state of relations between Egypt and Indonesia, which have been elevated to a strategic partnership level. The Indonesian president welcomed President el-Sisi's visit, expressing his country's desire to enhance cooperation in various fields. The leaders also discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest.
The meeting resulted in the signing of four memoranda of understanding between Egypt and Indonesia on cooperation in maritime affairs and fisheries, statistical cooperation, a plan of action for strategic partnership, and an exemption from entry visas for holders of diplomatic, official, and special passports. The two presidents also held a joint press conference, where President el-Sisi emphasized the importance of converting the historical relations and strategic partnership between the two countries into tangible cooperation programs and projects.
President el-Sisi highlighted the historical and cultural ties between Egypt and Indonesia, noting that Egypt was one of the first countries to recognize Indonesia's independence and establish diplomatic relations in 1947. He also praised the current level of relations, which have witnessed significant momentum, particularly after the Indonesian president's visit to Egypt in April 2025. The two leaders agreed to prioritize enhancing economic and trade cooperation, aiming to increase bilateral trade to $5 billion by 2030.
The presidents also discussed opportunities for expanding joint manufacturing projects in priority sectors, with President el-Sisi encouraging Indonesian companies to increase their investments in the Egyptian market. They reviewed ways to promote cultural and educational cooperation, with Egypt hosting thousands of Indonesian students annually in Al-Azhar and other Egyptian universities. The leaders exchanged views on regional and international developments, including the situation in Palestine, and emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomatic means in resolving crises.
On the Palestinian issue, the two presidents agreed on the need for a comprehensive and just solution, leading to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. President el-Sisi praised Indonesia's role in supporting efforts to stabilize the situation in Gaza and provide humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people. He also stressed the importance of ensuring safe and sustainable access to humanitarian aid in Gaza.
The Indonesian president expressed his country's support for Egypt's efforts to protect its water rights, particularly with regard to the Nile River. The two leaders concluded their meeting by emphasizing their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation on regional and international issues. President el-Sisi accepted the Indonesian president's invitation to visit Indonesia and expressed his hope for a return visit to Egypt soon.
Key points
- The two countries aim to increase bilateral trade to $5 billion by 2030.
- Egypt and Indonesia signed four memoranda of understanding on cooperation in maritime affairs, statistical cooperation, strategic partnership, and visa exemptions.
- The leaders emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomatic means in resolving regional and international crises.
