Indonesian President arrives in UAE on state visit

His Excellency President Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia arrived in Abu Dhabi on Saturday on an official state visit to the United Arab Emirates.

President Subianto's aircraft was met by a ceremonial escort of military jets upon entering UAE airspace, and was accompanied to the Presidential Airport as a welcoming gesture towards the nation’s distinguished guest.

The Indonesian President was received on arrival by Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Head of the Honorary Mission accompanying the President.

The last state visit by President Subianto to the UAE was in July 2024.

Indonesia and the UAE established diplomatic relations in 1976.  Since then, the countries have enhanced cooperation across various fields, including energy, tourism, aviation, agriculture, food security, infrastructure, transportation, health, artificial intelligence, education, and culture.

UAE-Indonesia bilateral trade has exceeded AED 100 billion over the past ten years. Non-oil trade between the two countries from 2014 to 2023 reached approximately AED 101.91 billion, with consistent growth in recent years.

The ratification of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two countries boosted economic relations and bilateral trade, reflected in the trade value which exceeded AED 16 billion, marking a 7.2 per cent increase compared to 2022.

The UAE-Indonesia CEPA, signed in Abu Dhabi in July 2022, is projected to boost non-oil trade to more than $10 billion (AED 36.7 billion) within five years, from approximately $3 billion (AED 11 billion) in 2021. This will be achieved by reducing or eliminating tariffs on various goods and services, creating new opportunities for exporters and businesses from both countries.