UAE, Indonesian Presidents Discuss Strategic Partnerships

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Excellency President Widodo, who is on a two-day state visit to the UAE, reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing these relations to help achieve their sustainable development ambitions.

The meeting at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi began with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed welcoming President Widodo to his second homeland, the UAE. His Highness stressed that this visit crowns a long journey of constructive and close relations between the two nations, characterized by joint and dedicated efforts aimed at benefiting the people of the UAE and Indonesia.

The two leaders reviewed various aspects of cooperation between the UAE and Indonesia, including in the areas of economy, investment, renewable energy, food security, infrastructure, education, health, climate action and environment, which are considered priorities for sustainable development in both countries.

His Highness expressed appreciation for the important role played by President Widodo in developing bilateral relations and promoting cooperation, and acknowledged his personal commitment to further advancing these relations.

His Highness noted that the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in 2022 marked an important milestone, contributing to the growth of economic cooperation between the UAE and Indonesia and promoting mutual development. He pointed out that when President Widodo took office in 2014, the non-oil trade volume between the two countries amounted to $2.7 billion; in 2023, this trade volume reached $4.4 billion. In addition, agreements on projects worth more than $21 billion have been reached in Indonesia in 2023, and the two countries look forward to new strategic investments.

His Highness highlighted the many monuments and initiatives in both countries that symbolise the deep friendship between the two leaders and the two nations. These include the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Solo City, Mohamed bin Zayed Street, the Mohamed bin Zayed-Joko Widodo International Mangrove Research Centre and the Mohamed bin Zayed College for Future Studies in Indonesia, in addition to Joko Widodo Street and Joko Widodo Mosque in Abu Dhabi.

His Highness affirmed that the UAE-Indonesia relations will continue to serve as a model for development and growth in the future.

The Indonesian President expressed his pride in the constructive cooperation he has enjoyed with the UAE President over the past decade. He added that he looked forward to continuing to strengthen the ties between the UAE and Indonesia in the years to come and welcomed the agreements announced today by the two countries in various vital sectors, highlighting their role in strengthening relations between the two countries.

President Widodo also stressed the importance of strengthening collaboration, especially in the areas of renewable energy, environmental protection and climate action, as well as trade and investment within the framework of the comprehensive economic partnership between the two countries. He noted that the UAE is the first country in the Middle East to establish such a partnership with Indonesia.

The Indonesian President wrote a message in the guestbook of Qasr Al Watan, expressing his gratitude for the warm welcome he received during his visit. He also conveyed his wishes for future progress and development in relations between the two countries.

His Highness hosted a lunch in honor of the visiting Indonesian President and his accompanying delegation.

In addition, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and President Joko Widodo witnessed the announcement of several MoUs and agreements aimed at further developing cooperation between the UAE and Indonesia. These include:

• An agreement to install solar energy systems on industrial and commercial rooftops in Indonesia.
• A memorandum of understanding on the management of the public budget.
• A Memorandum of Understanding between the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates and the Central Bank of Indonesia regarding smart systems.
• A memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
• A Memorandum of Understanding between the Presidential Court of the United Arab Emirates and the Indonesian Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Investment on the establishment of the Mohamed bin Zayed – Joko Widodo Mangrove Research Center in Bali, Indonesia.
• A Memorandum of Understanding between the Dubai International Financial Centre and the Nusantara Capital Authority (OIKN).
• A Memorandum of Understanding between the Indonesian Ministry of Public Enterprises and Eagle Hills Properties on cooperation in real estate development, tourism investment and airport and hotel management.
• A framework agreement on maritime patrol aircraft.

The meeting, lunch and announcement of the agreements were attended by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and President of the Presidential Court; Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi; Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior; Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Affairs; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs; and Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Presidential Court.

Also present at the meeting, lunch and announcement of the agreements were: Ali bin Hammad Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the Supreme National Security Council; Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs; Suhail bin Mohammed Faraj Faris Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology; Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy; Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Minister of Investment; Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment; Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade; Faisal Abdulaziz Mohammed Al Bannai, Advisor to the President of the UAE for Strategic Research and Advanced Technology Affairs; Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE; Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport and Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council; Abdulla AlDhaheri, UAE Ambassador to Indonesia, and a number of senior officials.

On the Indonesian side, members of the delegation accompanying the Indonesian president were present, including several ministers and senior officials.