UAE and Indonesian Presidents discuss strategic relations and Comprehensive Economic Partnership

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, met today in Abu Dhabi to review strategic relations within the framework of the two countries’ Comprehensive Economic Partnership. His Highness and 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 home, the UAE. His Highness noted that this visit crowns a long journey of constructive and close relations between the two nations, characterised by joint and dedicated efforts aimed at benefiting the people of both the UAE and Indonesia.

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

His Highness expressed his appreciation for the significant role President Widodo has played in developing bilateral relations and fostering cooperation, and acknowledged his own personal commitment to further advancing these relations.

His Highness noted that the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in 2022 marked a major milestone, contributing to the burgeoning economic cooperation between the UAE and Indonesia and fostering mutual development. He highlighted that when President Widodo took office in 2014, the volume of non-oil trade between the two countries stood at USD 2.7 billion; in 2023 this trade volume reached USD 4.4 billion. Additionally, agreements related to projects worth over USD 21 billion were concluded in Indonesia in 2023, and both countries are looking forward to further strategic investments.

His Highness highlighted the many landmarks and initiatives in both countries that symbolise the deep friendship between the two leaders and 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 of Future Studies in Indonesia; in addition to Joko Widodo Street and Joko Widodo Mosque in Abu Dhabi.

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

The President of Indonesia expressed his pride in the constructive cooperation between himself and the UAE President over the past decade. He added that he looked forward to continuing to strengthen ties between the UAE and Indonesia in the coming years, and welcomed the agreements announced today by both nations in various vital sectors, emphasising their role in reinforcing the relationship between the two countries.

President Widodo also underscored the importance of enhancing collaboration, particularly in renewable energy, environmental protection, and climate action, as well as in trade and investment within the framework of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership between the two nations. He highlighted 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 Qasr Al Watan guestbook, expressing his appreciation for the warm reception he received during his visit. He also conveyed his wishes for further progress and development in relations between the two countries in the future.

His Highness hosted a lunch in honour of the visit of the Indonesian President and his accompanying delegation.

Furthermore, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and President Joko Widodo witnessed the announcement of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements aimed at further developing cooperation between the UAE and Indonesia. 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 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 the establishment of 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 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, and a number of senior officials

Attending from the Indonesian side were members of the delegation accompanying the Indonesian President, including several ministers and senior officials.