UAE and Indonesia stress the importance of enhancing their mutual ambition to achieve peace and stability in the region

ABU DHABI 16th September 2015 (WAM) -- The United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Indonesia have stressed the importance of fostering the existing relations between both countries as well as enhancing their mutual ambition to achieve peace security and stability in the region.

Both countries stressed the importance of combatting such phenomenon and enhancing cooperation in counter-terrorism operations through intelligence information sharing capacity building and the elimination of extremism. The two sides also called on all countries to reject and not use terrorism against other nations. This is besides the dismantling of the basic structures of terrorism and bringing the perpetrators of terrorist acts to justice.

At the end of a two-day visit by Joko Widodo President of the Republic of Indonesia to the United Arab Emirates on 13th and 14th September at the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces the following Joint Statement was issued: "His Excellency Joko Widodo President of the Republic of Indonesia made an official visit to the United Arab Emirates at the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.

This is the first official visit to the United Arab Emirates by the President of Indonesia since taking office in 2014. It is therefore considered of great significance and will serve the interests of both countries and their robust fraternal relations. During the discussion the two sides have stressed the importance of fostering the existing relations between both countries as well as enhancing their mutual ambition to achieve peace security and stability in the region.

During the meeting the Indonesian President has expressed his sincere condolences and sympathy on the demise of the UAE's patriotic Armed Forces during their national duty in Yemen.

The two sides reiterated their resolve that as two important Muslim Countries the UAE and Indonesia would work closely together in voicing out Islam as Rahmatan lil Alamiin. In addition the two sides have encouraged interfaith dialogue to bring peoples of different races religions and cultures together in common endeavours to spread the values of Islam that call for peace prosperity harmony and permanent tolerance.

In the framework of the distinguished bilateral relations between the two countries and due to the progress made in bilateral cooperation since the establishment of diplomatic relations between both countries in 1976 the two sides stressed on further bilateral cooperation in more fields.

The two sides agreed to cooperate in various fields and expand the scope of their partnership in trade business investment in infrastructure as well as to make progress in promoting cooperative projects in higher education culture tourism agriculture shipping sectors and cooperating in the field of energy including renewable energy climate change security issues food security science and technology finance social culture as well as employment.

The two sides stressed the importance of continuing exchange of high-level visits between the two countries which will undoubtedly strengthen and promote bilateral relations in all fields.

The two sides agreed to consider the status of draft agreements and Memoranda of Understanding between them in order to expedite their finalisation and prepare for signature as well as signing the following Memorandum of Understanding within this visit: A Draft Memorandum of Understanding on Combating Human Trafficking The two sides commended the importance of the Joint Commission between the two countries as the cornerstone for exchanging and discussing the opportunities to enhance bilateral cooperation.

The two sides agreed on the importance of cooperating in the military field between the two countries and encouraging the exchange of high-level visits in this field. The two sides also agreed on the development of military and commercial cooperation.

The two sides stressed the importance of interaction between the peoples of both countries in promoting bilateral relations and mutual understanding between both fraternal countries and peoples. In this regards they emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation between religious leaders prominent figures academics and students universities and research institutes think tanks media means and agencies in the two countries.

The UAE side welcomed Indonesia's intention to join the membership of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries OPEC.

The two sides commended the mutual support for nominations in international organisations. Indonesia has reiterated its commitment to support the United Arab Emirates candidacy for membership of the United Nations Human Rights Council for 2016-2018. The UAE has also reiterated its commitment to support Indonesia in its candidacy for non-permanent membership in the Security Council for the period 2019-2020.

The Indonesian side praised the support pledged by the United Arab Emirates in providing humanitarian assistance to the Rohingya refugees in the Indonesian camps.

With regard to peace and security issues the two sides discussed the situation in the Middle East and gave priority to the Palestinian Issue as the core issue. The two sides also stressed the right of the Palestinian people to their self-determination and the establishment of an independent state with its capital in East Jerusalem. This should be based on the International References that recognize the Palestinian people's right as confirmed by the resolutions made by the United Nations regarding the establishment of a Palestinian state on the borders of 4th of June 1967 and the Arab Peace Initiative.

The two sides also reaffirmed their full commitment to the sovereignty independence and unity of the territories in Syria Yemen Iraq and Libya besides the need to maintain peace and security so as to ensure sustainable development in the region.

Both sides expressed their deep concern about the growing phenomenon of terrorism. They stressed the importance of combatting such phenomenon and enhancing cooperation in counter-terrorism operations through intelligence information sharing capacity building and the elimination of extremism. The two sides also called on all countries to reject and not use terrorism against other nations. This is besides dismantling the basic structures of terrorism and bringing the perpetrators of terrorist acts to justice.

During the meeting the two sides also agreed on the importance of combating transnational organised crime such as piracy human trafficking and the smuggling of people and drugs.

During the visit the UAE-Indonesia Business Forum was held. The forum aims at strengthening UAE investments and available opportunities in the Republic of Indonesia as well as Indonesian investments in the UAE. The forum was organised by the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry and attended by a large number of businessmen from the two countries.

President Joko Widodo President of the Republic of Indonesia has sent a formal invitation to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces to visit the Republic of Indonesia. The date of the visit will be determined between the two parties in a timely manner.

At the end of the visit President Joko Widodo thanked His Highness the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi the government and people of the UAE for the warm welcome and hospitality he received with the accompanying delegation during his visit to the UAE."