UAE And Indonesian Leaders Bolster Strategic Relations Through Economic Partnership
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Indonesian President Joko Widodo met in Abu Dhabi to discuss strategic relations under their Comprehensive Economic Partnership. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to advancing these relations for sustainable development.
The meeting at Qasr Al Watan began with His Highness welcoming President Widodo, noting the visit marks a long history of close relations between the UAE and Indonesia. His Highness highlighted the joint efforts aimed at benefiting both nations' people.
During their discussions, the leaders reviewed cooperation in various sectors, including economy, investment, renewable energy, food security, infrastructure, education, health, climate action, and the environment. These areas are priorities for sustainable development in both countries.
His Highness expressed appreciation for President Widodo's role in fostering bilateral relations and acknowledged his own commitment to further advancing these ties. He noted that the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in 2022 was a significant milestone.
President Widodo expressed pride in the constructive cooperation with the UAE over the past decade. He looked forward to strengthening ties further and welcomed new agreements announced by both nations in vital sectors.
His Highness highlighted that when President Widodo took office in 2014, non-oil trade between the two countries was USD 2.7 billion. By 2023, this trade volume had reached USD 4.4 billion. Additionally, agreements worth over USD 21 billion were concluded in Indonesia in 2023.
The leaders also discussed several landmarks symbolising their deep friendship. These include the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Solo City and Mohamed bin Zayed Street in Indonesia, as well as Joko Widodo Street and Joko Widodo Mosque in Abu Dhabi.
Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) Announced
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and President Joko Widodo witnessed the announcement of several MoUs aimed at further developing cooperation between their countries. These included:
- An agreement to install solar energy systems on industrial and commercial rooftops in Indonesia.
- An MoU on public budget management.
- An MoU between the Central Bank of the UAE and Central Bank of Indonesia regarding smart systems.
- An MoU on cooperation in peaceful nuclear energy use.
- An MoU on establishing a Mangrove Research Centre in Bali.
- An MoU between Dubai International Financial Centre and Nusantara Capital Authority (OIKN).
- An MoU on real estate development, tourism investment, and airport management.
- A framework agreement on maritime patrol aircraft.
Commitment to Sustainable Development
President Widodo emphasised enhancing collaboration particularly in renewable energy, environmental protection, climate action, trade, and investment within their Comprehensive Economic Partnership framework. He noted that UAE is the first Middle Eastern country to establish such a partnership with Indonesia.
The Indonesian President wrote a message in Qasr Al Watan's guestbook expressing gratitude for the warm reception during his visit. He conveyed his wishes for continued progress and development between the two nations.
High-Level Attendance
The meeting was attended by several high-ranking officials from both sides. From the UAE: Vice President H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Crown Prince H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Deputy Prime Minister H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan; among others.
The Indonesian delegation included ministers and senior officials accompanying President Widodo on his state visit to the UAE.
A lunch was hosted by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed honouring President Widodo's visit and his delegation. The event underscored the strong bilateral relationship between UAE and Indonesia as they look forward to future collaborations.
With inputs from WAM
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