UAE And Indonesia Mark 47 Years Of Growing Partnership And Mutual Goals

The state visit by President Joko Widodo of Indonesia to the UAE today signifies a major step in enhancing the comprehensive relations between the two nations. This visit crowns a 47-year journey of cooperation and friendship between Abu Dhabi and Jakarta.

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, highlighted during the UAE-Indonesia Joint Committee meeting in Abu Dhabi in 2023 that both countries have enhanced cooperation across various fields over the past 47 years. Key areas include energy, renewable energy, tourism, aviation, agriculture, food security, infrastructure, transportation, health, artificial intelligence, education, and culture.

Economically, bilateral trade between the UAE and Indonesia has exceeded AED100 billion over the past decade. Non-oil trade from 2014 to 2023 reached approximately AED101.91 billion, showing consistent growth in recent years. The ratification of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) has significantly boosted economic relations and bilateral trade.

The CEPA agreement signed in Abu Dhabi in July 2022 is expected to increase non-oil trade to more than US$10 billion within five years from approximately $3 billion in 2021. This will be achieved by reducing or eliminating tariffs on various goods and services, creating new opportunities for exporters and businesses from both countries.

Historically, the visit of the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, to Indonesia in May 1990 was a pivotal moment in the relations between the two countries. Sheikh Abdullah also commended Indonesia's support for the UAE's joining of ASEAN as a sectoral dialogue partner and continued cooperation to strengthen this partnership.

Sheikh Abdullah emphasised that Emirati-Indonesian ties have grown significantly within multilateral organisations and initiatives. This includes partnerships within the G20 under Indonesia's presidency in 2022 and India's in 2023. Additionally, there is cooperation to support the Pandemic Fund under the G20 initiative.

Environmental Initiatives

The Mohamed bin Zayed-Joko Widodo International Mangrove Research Centre is a result of the UAE's $10 million commitment to nurturing mangrove ecosystems. This centre underscores the strength of their strategic partnership in promoting climate and environmental sustainability worldwide.

Jewellery and precious metals top the trade list between these nations, followed by cars, gold, palm oil derivatives, and mobile phones. The CEPA agreement has reflected positively on trade value which exceeded AED16 billion—a 7.2 percent increase compared to 2022.

Promoting Tolerance

Moreover, both countries serve as true models of tolerance. Indonesia has achieved significant success in promoting tolerance within its diverse society comprising over 17,000 islands with residents speaking more than 700 languages. Tolerance is a key driver of development in this promising Asian country.

In turn, the UAE has globalised its social and religious heritage built on tolerance through initiatives that have become prominent global steps in this field. The UAE’s efforts originate from its geographic framework and aim at promoting coexistence globally.

This visit marks another chapter in strengthening ties between these two nations across various sectors including nuclear energy, investment, financial sectors among others. Both countries are expected to further solidify their partnership during this significant state visit.

With inputs from WAM