Abdullah bin Zayed, his Indonesian counterpart explore avenues of joint cooperation

JAKARTA: U.A.E. Foreign Minister HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan discussed yesterday with Foreign Affairs Minister of Indonesia Retno Marsudi the scope of joint cooperation in various fields so as to serve the mutual interests of the two friendly countries. The two foreign ministers also reviewed the latest developments in the Middle East region and a host of regional and international issues of concern to the two countries. At a joint press conference with his Indonesian counterpart, Sheikh Abdullah said he was satisfied with the progressive U.A.E.-Indonesia relations, indicating that his current visit to Jakarta would contribute towards furthering the cooperation between the two countries. Diplomatic ties between the U.A.E. and Indonesia, he said, were established in 1976 and the two sides have been striving to advance them in various domains, pointing to the agreement on the joint committees and another one on avoidance of double taxation. Sheikh Abdullah underscored the fact that the U.A.E. attaches significance to trade with Indonesia, adding that bilateral trade reached US$ 1.64 billion in 2013, driven by joint investments in key sectors including oil and petrochemicals, food industries and building materials. Additionally, HH said that the two countries are currently linked by 42 air flights a week, which has given a boost to trade, investment and tourism exchange. He said that 86,000 Indonesian citizens are working and living in the U.A.E.. Internationally, HH said, ''The U.A.E. boasts of being among the first countries that backed the Middle East Peace process and we condemn the recent Israeli action of closing the Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem to worshippers. We also note that Yehuda Glick's rhetoric had precipitated the situation in Jerusalem. In this context, we urge Israel to halt its provocative acts and work to achieve peace.'' ''We look forward towards stronger cooperation and ties with Indonesia in various fields,'' he said. On her part, the Indonesian Foreign Minister hailed her country's ties with the U.A.E. as ''distinct and evolving.'' She also praised the prominent status enjoyed by the U.A.E. at regional and international levels and its remarkable achievements in all walks of life. She expressed her gratitude to the government and the people of the U.A.E. for the development assistance provided to her country and people. http://www.wam.ae/en/news/emirates/1395271935925.html