Indonesia President Jokowi Strengthens Trade And Clean Energy Ties With UAE During State Visit

During his state visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo held a bilateral meeting with President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (MBZ) at Qasr Al Watan, Abu Dhabi. The discussions focused on four key areas: trade, strategic investment, clean energy and climate, and socio-cultural cooperation.

President Jokowi expressed his delight at the completion of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) negotiations, making the UAE the first Middle Eastern country to have such an agreement with Indonesia. He also welcomed the payment system cooperation between Bank Indonesia and the UAE Central Bank and the partnership with state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL Indonesia to build LPD ships for the UAE Navy. “These cooperations will bring significant benefits to our trade relations,” President Jokowi stated.

On strategic investment, President Jokowi noted the strengthening of UAE investments in Indonesia, highlighting the development of Indonesia’s new capital, Nusantara, and downstream industrialization efforts.

Regarding climate and clean energy, President Jokowi appreciated the UAE’s support for the 145-megawatt floating solar power plant in Cirata, which will expand to 500 megawatts. He also welcomed the groundbreaking of the Mangrove Research Center in Bali and the nuclear power plant cooperation between the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC). “Thank you, Your Excellency, for your real support for Indonesia’s energy transition,” he said.

In socio-cultural cooperation, President Jokowi acknowledged the awarding of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity 2024 to Indonesia’s two largest Muslim organizations, Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah, for promoting tolerance and moderation in Islam. He also expressed gratitude for the construction of the Syekh Zayed Mosque and a radiology hospital in his hometown of Solo, as well as the naming of President Joko Widodo Street and Jokowi Mosque in Abu Dhabi.

President MBZ commended the increased volume of non-oil and gas trade between Indonesia and the UAE, which grew from US$2.7 billion in 2014 to US$4.4 billion in 2023, alongside a rise in investment. “These developments reflect the significant progress in our relations, thanks to our mutual willingness and your personal interest, my brother, His Excellency President Jokowi,” President MBZ said.

At the meeting’s conclusion, President Jokowi invited President MBZ to visit Indonesia in September. President MBZ expressed his intention to fulfill the invitation, highlighting the warmth and closeness between the two leaders. “Once again, I am honored to accept your invitation,” President MBZ remarked.