Prabowo enhances defense partnership with UAE leader

In a historic meeting between Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto and United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, the two leaders discussed the strengthening of security cooperation between their countries amidst a complex geopolitical landscape. The meeting took place during Prabowo’s first stop on his Middle East tour, where he also introduced his future number two, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, to MBZ.

The discussions between Prabowo and MBZ focused on defence and explored potential avenues for security cooperation. While specific details of the talks were not disclosed, Prabowo has been actively working to enhance security ties with the UAE in recent years. This includes negotiations for the procurement of used Dassault Mirage 2000-9 fighter jets and the signing of a bilateral memorandum of understanding on defence cooperation in 2022.

Prabowo’s efforts to modernize Indonesia’s primary weapons systems have led to a spending spree on military equipment from various countries, including Qatar, which is also on his itinerary for the week. The Indonesian Defence Minister emphasized the importance of synergy between Indonesia and the UAE for future industrial development, particularly as the UAE has made strides in industrializing its defence sector.

The meeting between Prabowo and MBZ also highlighted the continuation of strong ties between Jakarta and Abu Dhabi, which were initially bolstered by outgoing President Joko Widodo. MBZ expressed his commitment to building a strategic bond with Indonesia, particularly in the areas of development and the economy. As a symbol of this commitment, the UAE President bestowed upon Prabowo the Zayed Medal honor, the highest civil decoration in the UAE, in recognition of his efforts to strengthen cooperative relations between the two countries.

The visit to the UAE also provided an opportunity for Prabowo to introduce his future deputy, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, to MBZ. The meeting between the president-elect and the UAE President was marked by warm gestures and well wishes for the upcoming transition of power in Indonesia. This meeting further solidified the longstanding ties between the two countries, with the UAE actively investing in various sectors in Indonesia, including energy, infrastructure projects, and agriculture.

Overall, the meeting between Prabowo and MBZ in the UAE underscored the importance of security cooperation and strategic partnerships in navigating the complex geopolitical challenges facing both countries. As Prabowo prepares to assume office in October, the discussions and gestures of goodwill during his Middle East tour set a positive tone for the future of Indonesia-UAE relations.