President Jokowi Discusses Strategic Cooperation with President MBZ in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, INTI - During his state visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), President Joko Widodo held a bilateral meeting with President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (MBZ) at Qasr Al Watan, Abu Dhabi, on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. In the meeting, President Jokowi highlighted four main issues: trade cooperation, strategic investment cooperation, clean energy and climate cooperation, and socio-cultural cooperation.

Trade Cooperation

Regarding trade cooperation, President Jokowi expressed his pleasure over the completion of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) negotiations. This makes the UAE the first Middle Eastern country to have a CEPA agreement with Indonesia.

"I also welcome the payment system cooperation between Bank Indonesia and the UAE central bank, as well as the cooperation in building LPD ships for the UAE Navy by PT PAL Indonesia. I am confident that all of this will bring positive benefits to the trade between the two countries," said President Jokowi.

Strategic Investment Cooperation

President Jokowi mentioned that UAE investment in Indonesia is growing stronger, with one of Indonesia's current focuses being the development of the new capital, Nusantara, and the downstreaming of industries.

Climate and Clean Energy Cooperation

President Jokowi appreciated the investment support for a 145-megawatt floating solar power plant 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 Highness, for your tangible support for Indonesia's energy transition," he added.

Socio-Cultural Cooperation

President Jokowi welcomed the awarding of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity 2024 to Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah to support tolerance and moderation in Islam.

"I also want to express my gratitude for the construction of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Solo, my hometown, and the radiology hospital in Solo. Additionally, the naming of a street and the Jokowi Mosque in Abu Dhabi will strengthen our future relations between Indonesia and the UAE," he said.

Appreciation from President MBZ

President MBZ appreciated the increasing volume of non-oil trade between Indonesia and the UAE during President Jokowi's leadership. In 2014, when President Jokowi began his term, the volume of non-oil trade between the UAE and Indonesia was USD 2.7 billion, and by 2023 it had reached USD 4.4 billion. Investment has also increased.

"This reflects the significant developments in the relationship between the two countries during this period, thanks to our joint willingness and your personal attention, my dear brother, Your Excellency President, in developing these relations," said President MBZ.

At the end of the meeting, President Jokowi invited President Mohamed bin Zayed to visit Indonesia in September. President MBZ stated that he would fulfill the invitation, demonstrating the warmth and closeness of the relationship between the two leaders.

"Your Excellency, I would like to express once again our gratitude, and I am honored to accept your invitation," said President MBZ.

Invitation to Attend Indonesia Technology and Innovation 2024

Don't miss the opportunity to attend Indonesia's largest technology and innovation exhibition, Indonesia Technology and Innovation 2024 (INTI 2024), which will be held at JI-EXPO on August 12-14, 2024. For more information, visit https://inti.asia/.