Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation: President Prabowo and Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Discuss Enhancing Indonesia-UAE Relations

Jakarta, INTI - On Saturday, November 23, 2024, the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, held a bilateral meeting with the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (MBZ), at Qasr Al Watn in Abu Dhabi. This meeting marked a significant moment to strengthen the long-standing bilateral relations between the two countries. The discussions highlighted various areas of cooperation that have been achieved and outlined strategic steps for further collaboration in the future.

Appreciation from President MBZ

In his opening remarks, President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan expressed pride in the well-established relationship between Indonesia and the UAE. He emphasized that the ties between the two nations are not new, but have been nurtured over many years with various significant achievements. President MBZ stated, "Our relationship did not begin today. We have known each other for many years, and I am proud of this relationship. God willing, it will continue to improve and develop for the benefit of both nations in the coming years."

President MBZ also highlighted the successful growth in trade and investment between the two countries. He noted that non-oil trade between Indonesia and the UAE had experienced impressive growth, reaching a 12% increase in the past year, with trade valued at approximately USD 4.6 billion. This optimistic outlook is further strengthened by the expectation that the trade target of USD 10 billion will be achieved through the implementation of a comprehensive economic cooperation agreement and the use of local currencies in bilateral transactions, reducing dependence on the US dollar.

Additionally, President MBZ mentioned the broadening of cooperation in strategic sectors such as renewable energy, climate action, artificial intelligence, education, and food security. "All of this ensures that we are building on a solid foundation today. God willing, we will strengthen this foundation further, expand the scope of cooperation, and seize every available opportunity," he said.

Indonesia's Commitment to Strengthening Cooperation

In his address, President Prabowo Subianto also expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome extended by the UAE government and its people. He reiterated Indonesia's commitment to continuing this positive relationship, especially under his leadership. "My priorities in the government I lead moving forward are first to ensure food security, second energy resilience, and then to implement the downstream processing of all our raw materials in Indonesia to add value. We can collaborate in several areas, and we want to invite the UAE to actively participate in our economy," said President Prabowo.

One of the key achievements in the relationship between Indonesia and the UAE has been the UAE's support for the establishment of Indonesia's Sovereign Wealth Fund (INA). President Prabowo thanked the UAE for its role in supporting the formation of INA, which aims to bolster investment in infrastructure and other strategic sectors in Indonesia. Indonesia hopes to expand INA's role in supporting national development, and cooperation with the UAE is expected to accelerate the realization of this goal.

In the humanitarian sector, President Prabowo also expressed appreciation for the UAE’s initiative involving Indonesia in humanitarian missions in Gaza. "We are grateful for this cooperation, for the initiative Your Excellency invited us to join. We sincerely thank you," President Prabowo said, acknowledging the UAE’s active participation in international humanitarian efforts.

Agreements to Strengthen Technical Cooperation

The meeting concluded with several strategic agreements aimed at accelerating the implementation of the programs and cooperation already planned between the two countries. Among the agreements was the commitment to enhance coordination at the technical and operational levels to ensure that all signed agreements are effectively executed. Both leaders agreed that the bilateral relationship between Indonesia and the UAE serves as a strong foundation for promoting peace, stability, and shared progress in the international arena.

"This shows that our relationship is very strong, and I continue to seek cooperation and consultation with Your Excellency," said President Prabowo, closing their discussions.

Future Prospects for Indonesia-UAE Cooperation

The meeting between President Prabowo and President MBZ symbolizes the growing strength of Indonesia-UAE relations, with numerous opportunities for collaboration yet to be fully explored. Both countries possess complementary strengths, particularly in the fields of economy, technology, and international diplomacy. In this era of globalization, such cooperation will bring long-term benefits not only to both nations but also to Southeast Asia and the Middle East as a whole.

Geopolitically, Indonesia, as the largest country in Southeast Asia with a strategic position in the Asia-Pacific region, plays an important role on the global stage. Strengthening ties with the UAE, one of the strongest economies in the Middle East, is expected to bring positive impacts not only for both countries but also for the Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern regions.

Positive Impact on Indonesia's Economy

Cooperation between Indonesia and the UAE in various strategic sectors such as renewable energy, food security, and technology is highly relevant to the challenges Indonesia faces today. As a developing nation, Indonesia requires access to the latest technologies and resources to accelerate infrastructure development and other economic sectors.

For example, in the renewable energy sector, the UAE possesses advanced technology and investment capabilities that could support Indonesia’s efforts to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and accelerate the transition to more environmentally-friendly energy sources. Cooperation in the fields of artificial intelligence and education will also contribute to improving Indonesia’s competitiveness on the global stage.

Furthermore, the increase in trade between Indonesia and the UAE, which reached over USD 4.6 billion last year, demonstrates the substantial potential both nations have for expanding collaboration in the economic sector. The trade target of USD 10 billion set by both leaders is a strong indication that Indonesia-UAE economic ties will continue to grow in the coming years.

The meeting between President Prabowo Subianto and President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan marked a significant step in strengthening Indonesia-UAE bilateral relations. With the agreements made, both countries are now poised to maximize their cooperation in various strategic sectors. This collaboration is expected to have a positive impact on both nations, especially Indonesia, which continues to develop its economy and strengthen its position on the global stage.

With an increasingly solid foundation and strong leadership from both leaders, Indonesia and the UAE are expected to become strategic partners with mutual benefits in the near future. Through concrete steps already taken, both nations are likely to bring about significant changes in the fields of economy, technology, and global diplomacy.