On Saturday, Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsudi, visited UAE to discuss means to strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations. Indonesian minister was received by his Arab counterpart, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The two were joined by Erick Thohir, Indonesia’s Minister of State-Owned Enterprises.

The meeting between the representatives of the two nations focused on ways to enhance and develop relations with respect to varying fields including economic, trade, energy and food security, in addition to several regional and international issues of common interest, including Libya and Iran.

Besides, Sheikh Abdullah and Marsudi also discussed Covid-19 developments in the respective countries, with regard to controlling the pandemic spread. The ministers highlighted the importance of cooperation and coordination in this regard, as well as support for developing a vaccine to cure the deadly contagion.

During Marsudi’s visit, UAE’s Sheikh Abdullah also congratulated her, the government and people of Indonesia on the occasion of their Independence Day, which was celebrated on 17th August.

Marsudi confirmed her country's keenness to strengthen bilateral relations with the UAE, and also lauded the Gulf country for its leading position at the regional and international levels.

Sheikh Abdullah hosted a lunch banquet in honour of the international guests. Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Abdullah Salem Obeid Al Dhaheri, UAE Ambassador to Indonesia, Abdul Nasser Al Shaali, Assistant Minister of Economic and Trade Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, as well as a number of officials from both countries were part of the gathering.

Earlier this year, President Jokowi Widodo made an official visit to Abu Dhabi, discussing a shared vision of both the nations for moderation and sustainable energy in taking their bilateral relations to a new era.

WAM