UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Abu Dhabi on Friday to advance bilateral relations and discuss economic cooperation under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the UAE and Indonesia. The meeting focused on strengthening joint efforts in key sectors including investment, development, energy, infrastructure, and trade.
Both leaders affirmed their commitment to accelerating projects that align with their respective national development agendas, particularly those promoting renewable energy and sustainable growth. Held at Qasr Al Watan, the high-level discussions underscored the expanding strategic ties between the two countries. The UAE and Indonesia formally signed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in July 2022, and Friday’s talks were seen as a continuation of efforts to implement the agreement’s provisions and further liberalize bilateral trade.
President Subianto was received earlier in the day at the Presidential Airport in Abu Dhabi by Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The official reception reflected the importance attached to the visit, which marks Subianto’s first trip to the UAE since taking office in October 2024. The leaders also addressed several regional and international developments. They jointly condemned the Israeli airstrike on the State of Qatar that occurred earlier this week, calling the attack a serious violation of international law.
Renewable energy projects central to UAE Indonesia agenda
Both countries reiterated their support for Qatari sovereignty and emphasized the need for restraint and respect for diplomatic norms in the region. Also present at the meeting were Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs, along with a number of UAE ministers and senior officials. The Indonesian delegation included key figures from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Indonesia Investment Authority, reflecting the economic focus of the visit.
Since the ratification of CEPA, trade between the UAE and Indonesia has seen steady growth. According to UAE Ministry of Economy data, non-oil trade between the two nations reached over USD 5 billion in 2024, with projections indicating continued expansion driven by tariff reductions and market access reforms under the agreement. Indonesia has also expressed interest in deeper cooperation with the UAE on energy transition initiatives.
Masdar continues to expand renewable footprint in Indonesia
The UAE’s Masdar has been involved in renewable energy projects in Indonesia, and further collaboration is expected in solar and hydropower development. The two sides are also exploring partnerships in digital economy infrastructure and smart logistics. Beyond economic matters, the UAE and Indonesia maintain active cooperation in multilateral forums such as the G20, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and the United Nations. Both nations have positioned themselves as advocates for regional stability and sustainable development, particularly in the Global South.
The working visit concluded with a reaffirmation of both governments’ commitment to fostering strategic relations across economic, political, and security dimensions. The leaders agreed to maintain regular dialogue at the ministerial and executive levels to ensure implementation of joint initiatives under the CEPA framework. President Subianto is expected to hold further meetings with UAE business leaders during his stay in Abu Dhabi, with a focus on facilitating private sector engagement and strengthening investment flows between the two countries. – By Content Syndication Services.