A heartwarming and symbolic exchange took place at Palácio do Planalto on Wednesday between Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Following their bilateral meeting, the two leaders delivered a joint statement that highlighted their mutual respect and commitment to strengthening ties. President Lula surprised the audience by saying “Terima kasih” (thank you) in Indonesian, a gesture that showcased his respect for his counterpart’s culture. In response, President Prabowo expressed his gratitude with a Portuguese “Obrigado,” emphasizing the personal connection between two leaders from different cultures but with a shared vision. This bilingual moment of diplomacy, amidst serious discussions on various topics, served as a reminder that relationships between nations are built not just through policy, but also through genuine gestures of sincerity. It was a simple yet powerful symbol of mutual respect, equality, and the promise of cooperation between two major democracies of the Global South.
Lula Prabowo Bilingual Diplomacy Brazil Presidential Palace
