President Jokowi, President MBZ Discuss Enhancement of Indonesia-UAE Cooperation

President Jokowi had a face-to-face meeting with the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (MBZ), at the Leadership Pavilion, Expo City Dubai, on Friday, (12/01). (Source: BPMI/Laily Rachev)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo on Friday (12/01) had a face-to-face meeting with the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (MBZ), at the Leadership Pavilion, Expo City Dubai.

Initiating the meeting, President Jokowi expressed appreciation to President MBZ for successfully hosting COP28 under the presidency of the UAE.

“Congratulations on the successful hosting of COP28. Indonesia is ready to support the breakthroughs initiated by the UAE Presidency to address climate change, especially for developing countries,” the President said.

During the meeting, the two leaders also discussed the enhancement of cooperation in various fields, including the energy sector, which is Indonesia’s largest import from the UAE.

“Indonesia hopes that the UAE can provide more competitive oil prices for Indonesia,” President Jokowi stated.

President Jokowi and President MBZ also discussed strategic investments between Indonesia and the UAE. President Jokowi expressed appreciation for the UAE’s support for the 145 MW solar power project in Cirata, West Java, and expressed hope for similar support for the realization of other strategic projects in the country.

Furthermore, Presidents Jokowi and MBZ discussed cooperation in meteorology and geophysics. Indonesia expects the UAE’s support in improving early warning system technology to anticipate earthquakes and tsunamis.

“I also welcome the agreement on the MoU between BMKG (Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency) and the UAE National Meteorological Center,” said the President.

Regarding cooperation in the labor sector, President Jokowi stated Indonesia’s commitment to sending professional, educated, and trained workers to the UAE. Therefore, the President requested that the UAE government provide guarantees for the protection of Indonesian migrant workers (PMI).

“And access for PMI is opened more widely, especially in the financial sector, renewable energy, and defense industries,” the President remarked. (BPMI SETPRES/AIT) (AS/MUR)