The meeting between Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at Palácio do Planalto in Brasília was not just a typical exchange of pleasantries. A heartwarming moment occurred when President Lula said “Terima kasih” (thank you) in Indonesian, showing his respect for his counterpart’s culture. In response, President Prabowo said “Obrigado” (thank you) in Portuguese, symbolizing mutual respect and a commitment to strengthening ties between their two countries.
This simple yet powerful linguistic exchange highlighted the personal connection between the two leaders, transcending cultural differences. Despite discussing serious topics like food security, defense, renewable energy, and technological cooperation, the moment of “Terima kasih” and “Obrigado” emphasized that relationships between nations are built on sincere gestures, not just policies.
In a world where diplomacy is often constrained by formalities, this heartfelt exchange served as a reminder of the importance of genuine connections in international relations. It was a moment that illustrated the shared vision and mutual respect between Indonesia and Brazil, two major democracies in the Global South.
