President Jokowi held a bilateral meeting with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (MBZ) at Qasr Al Watan, in Abu Dhabi, on Wednesday, (17/7/24), during which he raised four main issues: trade cooperation, strategic investment cooperation, clean energy and climate cooperation, and socio-cultural cooperation, according to press release published on The President of the Republic of Indonesia website.
Regarding trade cooperation, President Jokowi expressed his joy over the completion of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) negotiations, making the UAE the first Middle Eastern country to have a CEPA cooperation with Indonesia.
“I also welcome the payment system cooperation between Bank Indonesia and the UAE central bank, as well as the cooperation in the construction of LPD ships for the UAE Navy by PT PAL Indonesia. I am sure all of this will provide positive benefits for trade between the two countries,” said President Jokowi.
Second, regarding strategic investment cooperation. President Jokowi said that UAE investment in Indonesia is getting stronger and one of Indonesia’s current focuses is the development of the Indonesian Capital City (IKN) and industrial downstreaming.
Third, regarding cooperation on climate and clean energy, President Jokowi appreciated the support for investment in 145 megawatts of floating solar power plants in Cirata, which will be developed to 500 megawatts.
“I also welcome the groundbreaking of the Mangrove Research Center in Bali and the nuclear power plant cooperation between BRIN and ENEC. Thank you, Your Majesty, for your real support for Indonesia’s energy transition,” he added.
Fourth, regarding socio-cultural cooperation. President Jokowi welcomed the awarding of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity 2024 for Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah to support Islamic tolerance and moderation.
“I would also like to express my gratitude for the construction of a mosque in Solo, my hometown, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque and also the radiology hospital in my hometown of Solo and also the naming of the streets in Abu Dhabi and the Jokowi Mosque in Abu Dhabi. This will strengthen our future relations between Indonesia and the UAE,” he said.
Meanwhile, President MBZ appreciated the increasing volume of non-oil and gas trade between Indonesia and the UAE during President Jokowi’s leadership. In 2014, when President Jokowi took office, the volume of non-oil and gas trade between the UAE and Indonesia was USD 2.7 billion and in 2023 it reached USD 4.4 billion. The increase also occurred in the investment sector.
“This reflects the great development that has taken place in relations between the two countries during this period, thanks to our common will, and your personal attention, my brother, Your Excellency the President, in developing these relations,” President MBZ said.
At the end of the meeting, President Jokowi invited President Mohammed bin Zayed to visit Indonesia in September. President MBZ stated that he would accept the invitation, showing the warmth and closeness of the relationship between the two leaders.
“Your Majesty, I would like to convey once again, our gratitude and I have the honor to accept Your Majesty’s invitation,” said President MBZ.
Source: The President of The Republic of Indonesia website
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