President Jokowi Discusses Four Issues on Bilateral Meeting with President MBZ

President Jokowi has a bilateral meeting with President MBZ at Qasr Al Watan, Abu Dhabi, Wednesday (07/17). (Photo by: BPMI/Muchlis Jr)

During his state visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo had a bilateral meeting with President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (MBZ) at Qasr Al Watan, Abu Dhabi, Wednesday, (07/17).

On the meeting, President Jokowi addressed four main issues, namely cooperation in trade, strategic investment, clean energy and climate, and socio-culture.

Regarding trade cooperation, President Jokowi expressed delight at the completion of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) negotiations. This makes the UAE the first Middle East country to have CEPA cooperation with Indonesia.

“I also welcome the payment system cooperation between central bank Bank Indonesia and the UAE Central Bank, as well as cooperation in building LPD ships for the UAE Navy by state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL Indonesia. I believe these cooperations will bring benefits to the trade cooperation between our countries,” said President Jokowi.

Second, regarding strategic investment cooperation, President Jokowi said that the UAE investments in Indonesia are growing stronger. According to him, Indonesia is currently focusing on the development of the new capital Nusantara and downstream industrialization.

Third, regarding climate and clean energy cooperation, President Jokowi appreciates the investment support for 145-megawatt floating solar power plant in Cirata which will be expanded to 500 megawatts.

“I also welcome the groundbreaking of Mangrove Research Center in Bali and the nuclear power plant cooperation between the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and the Emirates Nuclear Energy Cooperation (ENEC). Thank you, Your Excellency, for the real support for Indonesia’s energy transition,” he said.

Fourth, regarding socio-cultural cooperation, President Jokowi welcomed the rewarding of Zayed Award for Human Fraternity 2024 to the country’s two-largest Muslim organizations Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah for their role in supporting tolerance and moderation of Islam.

“I also would like to express gratitude for the construction of Syekh Zayed Mosque as well as radiology hospital in my hometown of Solo, and also for the naming of Presiden Joko Widodo street and Jokowi Mosque in Abu Dhabi.

Meanwhile, President MBZ expressed appreciation for the increased volume of non-oil and gas trade between Indonesia and the UAE during President’s Jokowi leadership. In 2014, when President Jokowi took office, the non-oil and gas trade volume between the two countries was US$2.7 billion and by 2023, the figure had reached US$4.4 billion. There is also an increase in investment sector.

“These reflect the significant development of the relations between the two countries during this period, thanks to our mutual willingness and your personal interest, my brother, His Excellency President Jokowi, in promoting these relations,” President MBZ said.

At the end of the meeting, President Jokowi invited President MBZ to visit Indonesia in September. President MBZ then expressed his intention to fulfill the invitation, while highlighting the warmth and closeness of the two leaders.

“His Excellency, once again I would like to express gratitude, and I am honored to accept your invitation,” President MBZ remarked. (BPMI/DNS) (EST/MUR)