Indonesia’s new leader posted a video of his congratulatory call to Trump. They both showered each other with praise.

() – Indonesia’s new president, Prabowo Subianto, posted a video of his phone call congratulating Donald Trump on his re-election, during which the former special forces commander mentioned his American “training” and called the US president-elect “sir” several times. times.

Prabowo, who is in Washington on an official visit, published the almost three minute telephone conversation on his official social media channels on Monday and said he would like to “personally visit” Trump.

“Wherever you are, I am ready to fly to congratulate you personally, sir,” Prabowo said in the video.

Trump is heard responding: “How nice. We can do it whenever you want.”

The US president-elect said he was “proud” of Prabowo for doing a “great job” in Indonesia, telling his counterpart: “his English is very good.”

“All my training is American, sir,” Prabowo responded, in an apparent reference to the officer training he received in the United States in the 1980s.

Prabowo’s office reported that the Indonesian president arrived in Washington on Sunday and will meet with President Joe Biden this Tuesday at the White House.

A White House press release confirmed the visit, saying the two leaders will “celebrate the 75th anniversary of US-Indonesia relations” and “explore ways to strengthen US-Indonesia cooperation.”

It is unclear whether Prabowo will meet with Trump while he is in the United States.

Since taking back the White House last week, Trump has maintained a frenetic schedule as world leaders call to congratulate and curry favor with the new American leader, with analysts analyzing who will get a first meeting.

In the call, Prabowo expressed surprise at the attempted assassination of Trump earlier this year and reiterated that he would like to visit the president-elect “when it is convenient for you, sir.”

“You are a very respected person, and I recognize that. It’s not easy,” Trump told Prabowo. “Call whenever you want. It is a great honor to speak with you and I will see you soon.”

Prabowo, 73, promised to make Indonesia more self-sufficient when he took the helm of the world’s third-largest democracy in October.

During the Cold War, Indonesia was a key—and controversial—member of the U.S.-led anti-Soviet bloc, a period in which the Indonesian military carried out massive anti-communist purges and massacres.

In recent decades, the Southeast Asian country has adopted a foreign policy of non-alignment, meaning it does not take sides with any bloc or power in global affairs. However, the resource-rich nation, which has the largest nickel reserves in the world, is also seen as a big prize in the competition for influence in Asia.

Prabowo’s visit to the United States follows his state visit to Beijing over the weekend, where he held bilateral talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping and other senior officials.

The Indonesian president chose China as his first official overseas visit since taking office, and a joint statement after the leaders’ meeting promoted strengthening cooperation and advancing their strategic partnership.

According to Reuters, the two countries also signed agreements worth US$10 billion in areas such as green energy, technology, food and biotechnology.

Prabowo’s trip to China and the United States is part of a five-country tour that will include a stop in Peru to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum and in Brazil for the G20 summit. Before returning to Jakarta, Prabowo is also scheduled to meet with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London, according to Indonesia’s Antara News Agency.

Prabowo’s election to lead the nation of 280 million people underscores a remarkable transformation of the former military commander.

Prabowo, who served as defense minister for five years under his predecessor Joko Widodo, is known for his forceful speeches, military training and combative past.

He was banned from entering the United States in 1998 after being dismissed from the Army for alleged human rights violations, after the fall of the late dictator Suhartohis ex-father-in-law. The ban was later lifted.

In February, as votes were being counted, Prabowo held a press conference promoting the values ​​of democracy from his home outside Jakarta.

“The most important goal of democracy is to give the people the leaders and representatives they want,” Prabowo told reporters from his swimming pool. “I hope all parties understand the larger goal.”