Remarks Prior to a Meeting With President Prabowo Subianto Djojohadikusumo of Indonesia

President Biden. Well, Mr. President, welcome to the White House.

President Prabowo. Thank you very much, sir.

President Biden. Good to have you here. And we're making——

President Prabowo. Thank you very much.

President Biden. We're marking an important anniversary: 75 years of diplomatic relationship with Indonesia and the United States—75 years. I'm proud that the partnership between our countries is stronger than it's ever been.

And today we're going to discuss how we continue to strengthen that partnership, first, in my view, by advancing free and open Indo-Pacific with ASEAN at its center. As two of the largest democracies in the world, it seems to me that our nations have a special responsibility in this vision.

Second, fighting the climate crisis. Indonesia is a critical player in the clean energy transition.

And third, by building a secure and resilient supply chain.

And finally, by deepening our comprehensive strategic partnership that includes deepening our security cooperation.

We'll discuss, also, global challenges, including in Gaza and the South China Sea.

So, Mr. President, I'm looking forward to our discussion, and welcome. I'm delighted to have you here, and the floor is yours.

President Prabowo. Thank you. Thank you, President Biden. Thank you for receiving me.

I also would like to thank you: You phoned me yourself upon my election and——

President Biden. A great victory.

President Prabowo. Yes. Thank you very much.

And then, finally, I could make it, and you received me today.

United States, for us, is a very great friend. United States supported us in our struggle for independence and helped us many times in our time of need.

Therefore, I will work very hard to strengthen Indonesia and United States relationship. And I would like to work towards this end, that we have a strong cooperation.

Once again, President Biden, thank you very much for receiving me.

President Biden. Well, thank you. I look forward to our discussion.

President Prabowo. Thank you, sir.

President Biden. Thank you.

President Prabowo. Thank you, sir.

[At this point, several reporters began asking questions at once.]

Q. Mr. President, is the U.S. giving Israel a pass? Mr. President, is the U.S. giving Israel a pass when it comes to humanitarian aid? Mr. President—Mr. President, are you looking forward to meeting Mr. Trump tomorrow?