Indonesia’s leader reaches UAE for 2-day state visit

(MENAFN) Indonesian President Joko Widodo arrived in the UAE on Tuesday for a two-day state visit, marking a significant moment in diplomatic relations between the two nations. He was welcomed at the Presidential Airport in Abu Dhabi by a delegation led by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed, which included notable figures such as Suhail Al Mazrouei, the Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, and Abdulla Al Dhaheri, the UAE ambassador to Indonesia. As President Widodo's plane entered UAE airspace, it was escorted by several Emirati military aircraft, underscoring the importance of this visit.

In an interview with a UAE-based news agency conducted prior to his arrival, President Widodo expressed enthusiasm for the strong ties between Indonesia and the UAE, emphasizing his close relationship with Sheikh Mohamed. He articulated his vision for expanding the UAE-Indonesian partnership into new sectors, particularly in clean energy and electric vehicles, as well as the development of Nusantara, Indonesia's new capital in East Kalimantan on the island of Borneo. Widodo described Nusantara as emblematic of Indonesia's transformation towards a more innovative, sustainable future and extended an invitation to Emirati investors to explore opportunities there.

The discussions between the two leaders are expected to focus on enhancing strategic ties, particularly through the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed in July 2022. This agreement is viewed as crucial for advancing sustainable development and strengthening trade and investment cooperation between the two countries. Sheikh Mohamed previously remarked that the CEPA would initiate "a new era of increased trade, investment, and economic cooperation," with the pact officially coming into effect in August 2023.

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