President Prabowo Subianto has invited Fiji to conduct a joint military exercise in Indonesia as part of the bilateral defence cooperation.

"We are also open to carrying out joint exercises in the military field, whether on land, at sea, or in the air. We welcome the Fijian military to exercise alongside us in

Indonesia," Prabowo stated in a statement with Prime Minister of Fiji, Sitiveni Rabuka, at the Merdeka Palace on Thursday.

Prabowo affirmed that Indonesia is striving to make the previously established defence cooperation agreements effective.

Additionally, the president expressed Indonesia's commitment to supporting the development of a regional agricultural training centre in Rakiraki, Fiji, which is expected to start this year.

Prabowo also invited Fiji to send its young people to pursue education at educational institutions and schools in Indonesia, especially in areas such as vocational training, engineering, and agriculture.

He emphasised Indonesia's commitment to ongoing collaboration with Fiji in enhancing human resource capacity and strengthening people-to-people relations between the two nations.

"We will increase partnership scholarships for developing countries and for the young people in Fiji," he remarked.

Prabowo views Fiji as Indonesia's important partner in the Pacific region since formal diplomatic ties began in 1974.

He highlighted that both countries share similarities as island nations, with common interests and challenges.

"We both uphold the principles of mutual respect between nations. We both uphold the principles of sovereignty, independence, and the rights of equality among nations," Prabowo said.

PM Rabuka's current visit to Indonesia coincides with the 50th anniversary of Indonesia-Fiji diplomatic relations.

Source: https://islandsbusiness.com/news-break/indonesia-invites-fiji-to-conduct-joint-military-exercise