Jokowi Meets UAE President MBZ in Abu Dhabi, Discusses Expanding Cooperation

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) met with President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (MBZ) in Qasr Al Watan, Abu Dhabi, on Wednesday, July 17. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries across various sectors, 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 have such an agreement with Indonesia.

“I welcome the cooperation between Bank Indonesia and Bank Sentra UAE payment systems,” said Jokowi as quoted from a press release of the Presidential Secretariat on Wednesday, July 17.

He further highlighted the positive impact of projects like PT PAL Indonesia building LED ships for the UAE Navy. “I am sure that all of this will provide positive benefits for trade between the two countries.”

He also welcomed the growing UAE investments in Indonesia, particularly in the development of the Indonesian new capital city, Nusantara or IKN, and the downstreaming of the industrial sector.

Both leaders acknowledged the importance of clean energy and climate cooperation. Jokowi expressed appreciation for the UAE's investment support for the expansion of the 145-megawatt Cirata floating solar power plant to 500 megawatts. 

He also welcomed the groundbreaking of the Mangrove Research Center in Bali and the collaboration between Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) on nuclear power development.

“Thank you, Your Majesty, for your real support for Indonesia's energy transition,” said Jokowi.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of socio-cultural cooperation. President Jokowi welcomed the awarding of the prestigious 2024 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity to Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah, two prominent Indonesian Islamic organizations known for promoting tolerance and moderation. 

He further expressed gratitude for the construction of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque and the Solo Radiology Hospital in Indonesia, as well as the naming of roads in Abu Dhabi and the Jokowi Mosque in Abu Dhabi City.

“This will strengthen our future relations between Indonesia and the UAE,” concluded Jokowi.

Meanwhile, MBZ highlighted the significant increase in non-oil and gas trade between Indonesia and the UAE since President Jokowi took office in 2014, rising from US$2.7 billion to US$4.4 billion in 2024. He also acknowledged the investment growth and attributed it to the strong bond between the two nations.

“Thanks to our mutual will, and your personal interest, my brother, His Excellency, in developing this relationship,” stated MBZ.

The meeting concluded with MBZ accepting President Jokowi's invitation to visit Indonesia in September 2024.

RIRI RAHAYU

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