President Sheikh Mohamed on Wednesday hailed Indonesian President Joko Widodo's state visit to the UAE as the culmination of sustained efforts to deepen ties between the nations.
Sheikh Mohamed praised Mr Widodo's contributions to bolstering ties as the two leaders witnessed the signing of agreements aimed at furthering co-operation across the environment, tourism and renewable energy during talks in Abu Dhabi.
Sheikh Mohamed reflected on Mr Widodo's "tireless efforts" to foster closer links between the UAE and Indonesia during his decade-long presidency.
He said high-level discussions had explored ways for the allies to expand economic partnerships and join forces to combat climate change and improve global education.
The Indonesian President will leave office in October at the end of his second and final term.
"We explored opportunities to further expand our economic partnership, boost collaboration in key development areas, enhance climate action efforts, and advance global education initiatives," Sheikh Mohamed said on X, formerly Twitter.
"I extend my sincere thanks to President Widodo for his tireless efforts during his time in office to strengthen the bonds between our two nations."
Mr Widodo concluded his visit on Wednesday, state news agency Wam reported.
Sheikh Mohamed earlier hosted Mr Widodo at an official reception at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi.
Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Widodo inspected a guard of honour and witnessed renditions of the UAE and Indonesian national anthems.
The ceremony also featured performances by Emirati folk groups, a 21-gun artillery salute and a fly-past by the UAE's Al Fursan aerial display team, which lit up the sky with a trail of smoke in the colours of the Indonesian flag.
Indonesian leader honoured
Sheikh Mohamed presented Mr Widodo with the Order of Zayed for his efforts in strengthening UAE-Indonesian relations.
It is considered the highest civilian honour in the UAE and is bestowed upon world leaders and heads of state.
Sheikh Mohamed said the award was testament to Mr Widodo's valuable contribution to advancing relations.
During the ceremony, Sheikh Mohamed also presented the Order of the Union to Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Indonesia’s Co-ordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment for his work to boost ties.
An Emirati welcoming party at the reception included Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court; Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi; Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior; Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and a number of other ministers and senior officials.
Mr Widodo was accompanied by a delegation of leading Indonesian ministers and officials.
Building on decades-long friendship
Mr Widodo's visit is a landmark moment in a long-standing friendship spanning 47 years.
UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, visited Indonesia in 1990, a tour which was viewed as pivotal to relations, Wam said on Tuesday.
The allies already enjoy close links across various fields, including trade, investment and the environment.
Discussions between the two leaders centred on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (Cepa) signed between the countries in July 2022, which is crucial to joint efforts to advance sustainable development.
Sheikh Mohamed said on Wednesday the agreement was a major milestone in a growing economic partnership.
Non-oil trade between the two countries from 2014 to 2023 reached Dh101.91 billion ($27.75 billion), with consistent growth in recent years.
The Cepa is projected to increase non-oil trade to more than $10 billion within five years, from about $3 billion in 2021.
Key tenets of the strategic partnership, which came into force last August, include reducing or eliminating tariffs on various goods and services and working to create new opportunities for exporters and businesses from both countries.
Deals struck during visit
The UAE and Indonesia finalised an agreement to install solar energy systems on industrial and commercial rooftops in Indonesia and to co-operate on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
The countries also agreed to a partnership on a public budget management plan and to develop smart banking systems.
The UAE Presidential Court and the Indonesian Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Investment will establish the Joko Widodo Mangrove Research Centre in Bali, Indonesia.
Indonesia's Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises and Eagle Hills Properties will work in tandem in real estate development, tourism investment and the management of airports and hotels.
A framework agreement was also made on the development of a maritime patrol aircraft.
Mr Widodo left the UAE on Wednesday afternoon. He was seen off at the Presidential Airport by Sheikh Khaled.
