TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) met with United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (MBZ) at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, July 17. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries in various areas, including trade, investment, clean energy and socio-cultural cooperation.
The leaders expressed optimism about the recently concluded Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) negotiations, making the UAE the first Middle Eastern country to sign such an agreement with Indonesia.
“We welcome the cooperation between Bank Indonesia and Bank Centra UAE payment systems,” President Jokowi said, quoted from a press release from the Presidential Palace on Wednesday (17/7).
He further highlighted the positive impact of projects such as PT PAL Indonesia building LED vessels for the UAE Navy. “I am sure that all these will bring positive benefits to trade between our two countries.”
He also welcomed the increased UAE investment in Indonesia, particularly the development of Indonesia’s new capital, Nusantara (IKN), and downstreaming the industrial sector.
The two leaders acknowledged the importance of clean energy and climate cooperation. President Jokowi expressed his gratitude for the UAE’s investment support in expanding the 145-megawatt Cirata floating solar power plant to 500 megawatts.
He also welcomed the groundbreaking of the Mangrove Research Centre in Bali and the collaboration between the Indonesian National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and the Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) in developing nuclear power.
“I appreciate your sincere support for Indonesia’s energy transition,” President Jokowi said.
The importance of socio-cultural cooperation was also highlighted at the meeting. President Jokowi welcomed the awarding of the prestigious 2024 Zayed Prize for Human Fraternity to two prominent Indonesian Islamic organisations, Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah, known for promoting tolerance and moderation.
He also expressed gratitude for the construction of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque and Solo Radiation Hospital in Indonesia, the naming of a road in Abu Dhabi, and the naming of Jokowi Mosque in Abu Dhabi City.
“This will strengthen future relations between Indonesia and the UAE,” President Jokowi concluded.
Meanwhile, MBZ highlighted that non-oil and gas trade between Indonesia and the UAE has grown significantly since President Jokowi took office in 2014, rising from $2.7 billion to $4.4 billion by 2024. He also acknowledged the increase in investment, attributing it to the strong ties between the two countries.
“Thanks to our mutual will and the personal interest of my brother His Excellency, we have been able to develop this relationship,” MBZ said.
The meeting concluded with MBZ accepting President Jokowi’s invitation to visit Indonesia in September 2024.
Lili Rahayu
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