UAE and Indonesia strengthen ties during high-level meet in Abu Dhabi

Image credit: WAM

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Indonesian President Joko Widodo met in Abu Dhabi to review strategic relations within the framework of their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

During the meeting, the two leaders discussed various areas of cooperation, particularly in the economy, investment, renewable energy, food security, infrastructure, education, health, climate action, and the environment. These sectors are considered priorities for sustainable development in both nations.

UAE-Indonesia bilateral

President Sheikh Mohamed expressed his gratitude for President Widodo’s significant role in enhancing bilateral relations and cooperation.

He noted that the signing of the CEPA in 2022 was a pivotal moment, contributing to the increasing economic collaboration between the UAE and Indonesia. He highlighted that non-oil trade between the two countries grew from $2.7bn in 2014 to $4.4bn in 2023. Additionally, agreements for projects worth over $21bn were concluded in Indonesia last year, with both countries anticipating further strategic investments.

Sheikh Mohamed pointed out several landmarks and initiatives symbolising the deep friendship between the two nations, such as 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.

President Widodo emphasised the importance of collaboration in renewable energy, environmental protection, climate action, trade, and investment within the CEPA framework. He noted that the UAE is the first Middle Eastern country to establish such a partnership with Indonesia.

During the visit, several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements were announced, including:

• 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 on 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 to establish 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.

Order of Zayed

In recognition of his efforts to strengthen UAE-Indonesian relations, President Widodo was awarded the Order of Zayed, the UAE’s highest civilian honour, during a ceremony at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi.

Sheikh Mohamed stated that the award reflects the personal esteem held for President Widodo and his valued efforts in advancing bilateral ties.

It was a pleasure to meet with my friend President Joko Widodo (@jokowi) in Abu Dhabi today. Building upon the close and enduring ties between the UAE and Indonesia, we explored opportunities to further expand our economic partnership, boost collaboration in key development… pic.twitter.com/hLix7CaGWF

— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) July 17, 2024

Additionally, Sheikh Mohamed presented the Order of the Union to Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, in appreciation of his efforts to strengthen the strategic relations between the UAE and Indonesia.

Read: Indonesian President Joko Widodo begins UAE state visit to strengthen bilateral ties