UAE and Indonesian Presidents Discuss Strategic Ties and Economic Partnership
Abu Dhabi, The Gulf Observer: UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Indonesian President His Excellency Joko Widodo convened today in Abu Dhabi to review and advance the strategic relations within the framework of the two countries’ Comprehensive Economic Partnership. President Widodo is on a two-day state visit to the UAE.
The meeting, held at Qasr Al Watan, began with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed welcoming President Widodo to his “second home,” the UAE. His Highness remarked that the visit culminates a long history of constructive and close relations between the two nations, marked by joint efforts benefiting the people of both the UAE and Indonesia.
The leaders reviewed various aspects of cooperation, particularly in economy, investment, renewable energy, food security, infrastructure, education, health, climate action, and the environment – key priorities for sustainable development in both countries.
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed expressed his appreciation for President Widodo’s significant role in developing 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 major milestone, fostering economic cooperation and mutual development. When President Widodo took office in 2014, non-oil trade between the two countries stood at USD 2.7 billion; in 2023, it reached USD 4.4 billion. Additionally, agreements worth over USD 21 billion were concluded in Indonesia in 2023, with both nations looking forward to further strategic investments.
His Highness highlighted various landmarks and initiatives symbolizing the deep friendship between the two countries, including 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 of Future Studies in Indonesia. In Abu Dhabi, landmarks include Joko Widodo Street and Joko Widodo Mosque.
President Widodo expressed pride in the constructive cooperation over the past decade and looked forward to continuing to strengthen ties. He welcomed the agreements announced today in various vital sectors, emphasizing their role in reinforcing the relationship between the two countries. He underscored the importance of enhancing collaboration in renewable energy, environmental protection, and climate action, as well as in trade and investment.
The Indonesian President wrote a message in the Qasr Al Watan guestbook, expressing appreciation for the warm reception and wishing for further progress in UAE-Indonesia relations. His Highness hosted a lunch in honor of the Indonesian President and his delegation.
During the meeting, several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements were announced to further develop cooperation between the UAE and Indonesia:
- 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 the Central Bank of Indonesia regarding smart systems.
- An MoU on cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
- An MoU between the UAE Presidential Court and the Indonesian Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Investment on establishing the Mohamed bin Zayed – Joko Widodo Mangrove Research Centre in Bali, Indonesia.
- An MoU between Dubai International Financial Centre and the Nusantara Capital Authority (OIKN).
- An MoU between Indonesia’s Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises and Eagle Hills Properties on cooperation in real estate development, tourism investment, and the management of airports and hotels.
- A framework agreement on maritime patrol aircraft.
The meeting, lunch, and announcement of the agreements were attended by:
From the UAE:
- His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court
- H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi
- H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior
- H.H. Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
- H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs
- H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs
- Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Adviser for Special Affairs at the Presidential Court
- Ali bin Hammad Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for National Security
- 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 UAE President 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 Abu Dhabi Executive Council
- Abdulla AlDhaheri, UAE Ambassador to Indonesia
- Senior officials
From Indonesia:
- Members of the delegation accompanying President Widodo, including several ministers and senior officials
This meeting marks a significant step in enhancing the strategic partnership between the UAE and Indonesia, underscoring their shared commitment to sustainable development and mutual growth.
