Jakarta (SEMISLOT88) – Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) received a state welcome at the Qasr Al Watan palace in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday from the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (MBZ).
In a statement, Jokowi’s office said he arrived at the palace under the escort of a series of presidential cars. The convoy passed cavalry and soldiers on camels, as well as traditional musicians. Cannons were fired 21 times to welcome the convoy.
At the entrance of Qasr Al Watan, Jokowi was welcomed by MBZ. The two shook hands and took a photo together. They then walked past the royal troops while traditional Al-Ayyala music was played. Some children also welcomed the two leaders.
Thereafter, the national anthems of both countries were played. The two leaders were seen standing between the flags of their respective countries. In front of them stood rows of UAE armed forces personnel.
Jokowi and MBZ received a report from the ceremony commander and proceeded to inspect the troops. The two leaders then introduced their delegates.
They later held a bilateral meeting and announced several memoranda of understanding in energy, tourism, and finance.
Jokowi also received the Order of Zayed, the UAE’s highest civilian honor, from MBZ.
The Order of Zayed has previously been bestowed on other world leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Indonesian Defense Minister and President-elect Prabowo Subianto.
“I really appreciate our close friendship and partnership in these 10 years,” Jokowi said to MBZ.
The state welcome ceremony closed with a lunch hosted by the UAE President.
Some Indonesian ministers accompanied Jokowi during the visit, including Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan and Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi.
