Image Credits: Aletihad Newspaper
President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates hosted a state visit from Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, intending to deepen bilateral relations and explore new areas of collaboration. The official reception, held at the opulent Qasr Al Watan, was a demonstration of the strong and enduring friendship between the two nations.
The ceremony was marked by a series of grand formalities, including an inspection of the guard of honour and the performance of national anthems from both countries. The event showcased Emirati cultural heritage through traditional folk dances, and a 21-gun artillery salute honoured President Widodo’s visit. Adding to the ceremony’s grandeur, the UAE Air Force Al Fursan aerobatics team executed a flypast, trailing smoke in the colours of the Indonesian flag.
The significance of the visit was underscored by the presence of senior UAE officials, including General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, and Abdulla AlDhaheri, UAE Ambassador to Indonesia. Their participation, alongside other royals and high-ranking officials, highlighted the importance of strengthening UAE-Indonesia ties.
Accompanying President Widodo was a high-profile delegation, featuring Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investments; Retno Marsudi, Minister of Foreign Affairs; and Erick Thohir, Minister of State-Owned Enterprises. This delegation underscores Indonesia’s commitment to expanding its partnership with the UAE across various sectors, including economic, environmental, and strategic initiatives.