The visit by Russia's Sergei Shoigu, secretary of the Russian Federation Security Council, looks to discuss "cooperation in other areas of mutual interest,” according to a Russian news agency.

Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu, an ally of President Vladimir Putin, has started a working visit to Indonesia and Malaysia on Monday to discuss security and defence issues, Russian news agencies reported.

Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu, center, walks after meeting with Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin in Jakarta, Indonesia, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/)

Indonesia, southeast Asia's largest economy, has long maintained a neutral foreign policy. But President Prabowo Subianto appears keen to deepen defense and security ties with Russia.

(AP video shot by Andi Jatmiko) Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu, right, and Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin attend a wreath laying ceremony prior to their meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025. (AP Photo ...

South-east Asia’s biggest economy maintains a neutral foreign policy, refusing to take sides in the Ukraine conflict. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu, an ally of President Vladimir Putin, has started a working visit to Indonesia and Malaysia on Monday to discuss security and defence issues, Russian news agencies reported.

Indonesia maintains a neutral foreign policy, refusing to take sides in the Ukraine conflict or in great power competition between the United States and China.

Russian forces invaded Ukraine in what the Kremlin called "a special military operation". The invasion of Ukraine led major world powers to unite and slap sanctions on Moscow, while handing Kyiv unprecedented levels of aid.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto received Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of the Russian Federation Security Council, in Jakarta on February 25 to discuss strategic issues related to bilateral relations and regional security.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto received Secretary of the Security Council of Russia Sergei K. Shoigu and his delegation with a luncheon hosted at the

Sergei Shoigu, Russian Security Council Secretary, visits Indonesia and Malaysia to discuss security and defense topics. This follows the West's sanctions on Russia after Ukraine's invasion. The focus is on enhanced cooperation with Asia,