Strengthening Indonesia-UAE Relations: President Prabowo Meets Prince MBZ at Qasr al-Watn

 On November 23, 2024, a significant diplomatic milestone was reached as President Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia met with the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (Prince MBZ), at the grand Qasr al-Watn palace in Abu Dhabi. This meeting was a highlight of President Prabowo’s state visit to the UAE, marking a new chapter in the strengthening of bilateral ties between the two nations.



Grand Welcoming Ceremony at Qasr al-Watn

President Prabowo's arrival at Qasr al-Watn was met with a warm and ceremonial welcome. The Indonesian President arrived at 11:36 AM local time, where he was greeted by Prince MBZ. The meeting commenced with both nations’ flags raised high, symbolizing the unity and cordiality between Indonesia and the UAE. The ceremony included a formal procession, with both leaders walking side by side to the venue where the national anthems of Indonesia and the UAE were played in a show of mutual respect and friendship.

President Prabowo, dressed in a formal white shirt, black jacket, and light blue tie with a black cap, and Prince MBZ in traditional UAE attire — a kandoora shirt, golden BISHT robe, black agal, and white gotra — underscored the cultural importance of the meeting and the respect between the two leaders. The dignified atmosphere set the tone for productive discussions aimed at advancing bilateral relations.

Key Focus Areas of the Bilateral Talks

The central theme of the bilateral talks was to explore new avenues for cooperation, particularly in key sectors that align with both countries' growth and sustainability agendas. President Prabowo and Prince MBZ discussed areas of mutual interest, including energy, investment, trade, and regional cooperation. Both leaders expressed a shared commitment to building a stronger economic partnership and enhancing cooperation on international platforms.

A major topic of discussion was advancing investment opportunities and fostering collaboration in sectors such as infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and tourism. The UAE’s significant expertise in renewable energy and infrastructure development provides a unique opportunity for Indonesia to benefit from technology transfer and investment, while Indonesia’s growing market and economic potential offer considerable opportunities for UAE businesses to expand their presence in Southeast Asia.

A Distinguished Indonesian Delegation

Accompanying President Prabowo was a delegation of senior Indonesian officials, further emphasizing the importance of this state visit. The delegation included Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia, Tourism Minister Vidyanti Putri, and Investment Minister Rosan Perkasa Roeslani. Pertamina, Indonesia’s national oil and gas company, was also represented by its President and CEO, Simon Aloysius Mantiri.

In addition to these ministers, key officials such as Deputy Minister of Housing and Settlements Fahri Hamza and the Indonesian Ambassador to the UAE, Husin Bagis, participated in discussions to further explore how both governments can collaborate across various sectors, including the sustainable development of energy and infrastructure.

High-Level UAE Officials in Attendance

The meeting was attended by several high-ranking officials from the UAE government, highlighting the importance of the visit. Notable attendees included Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE; Sheikh Khalid Bin Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi; and Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs. These leaders played a crucial role in facilitating productive dialogues aimed at fostering further economic and cultural cooperation between the two countries.

Building Stronger Ties: What Lies Ahead

The meeting at Qasr al-Watn represents a pivotal moment in Indonesia-UAE relations, with both countries reaffirming their commitment to deepening ties across various domains. The discussions held during this visit are expected to result in agreements that will have long-term positive impacts on trade, investment, and technological collaboration.

President Prabowo and Prince MBZ are expected to continue these fruitful dialogues, exploring new initiatives and projects that will promote sustainable economic development. Both leaders expressed a mutual desire to increase trade, investment flows, and people-to-people connections, as well as to work together in addressing global challenges.

Future Prospects for Indonesia and the UAE

This visit comes at a time when both Indonesia and the UAE are focusing on enhancing their global economic footprint. For Indonesia, this means positioning itself as a regional leader in Southeast Asia with growing opportunities for foreign investment and international collaboration. For the UAE, this is an opportunity to expand its influence in the ASEAN region, a key area of focus for its economic diversification plans.

As the two nations continue to strengthen their ties, both the public and private sectors are expected to play a key role in driving new projects and initiatives that will further solidify the strategic partnership between Indonesia and the UAE. With collaborative efforts in energy, infrastructure, trade, and technology, the Indonesia-UAE relationship is poised for further growth and long-term success.

This meeting is not only a testament to the evolving diplomatic relations between Indonesia and the UAE but also an indication of their shared vision for a more interconnected, prosperous future. The discussions and agreements that emerge from this state visit will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of both nations' cooperation for years to come.

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