Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto have set a goal to increase bilateral trade between their countries to $5bn by 2030. The target was announced following talks between the two leaders at the Merdeka Presidential Palace in Jakarta during an official visit on October 10-11. The discussions focused on advancing the two countries' strategic partnership and coordinating positions on regional and international issues.
The two presidents witnessed the signing of four memorandums of understanding covering maritime affairs and fisheries, statistical cooperation, an action plan for the strategic partnership, and visa exemptions for holders of diplomatic, service and special passports. These agreements aim to enhance cooperation between Egypt and Indonesia in various fields and facilitate travel between the two nations.
Al-Sisi emphasized that the two countries had agreed to prioritize trade growth and work to remove obstacles to achieving the $5bn target. They also agreed to expand joint manufacturing in priority sectors and strengthen Egypt's role as a production and export hub serving Arab, African and international markets. This move is expected to boost economic ties between the two nations.
A joint statement issued during the visit welcomed progress in cooperation between Indonesia's Danantara and Egypt's Future of Egypt for Sustainable Development Authority. The two institutions have made significant strides in the production and distribution of crude palm oil and its derivatives, as well as phosphate fertilizers and related raw materials. The joint statement encouraged the institutions to broaden cooperation into infrastructure, energy, logistics and agribusiness.
The two leaders also discussed regional and international issues, including the Palestinian Cause. They reaffirmed their support for an independent, sovereign and viable Palestinian state along the June 4, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Both sides rejected any attempts to forcibly displace Palestinians and condemned continued Israeli military operations in Gaza and the West Bank.
On Nile water, Al-Sisi described the river as an existential issue for Egypt, reiterating Cairo's commitment to safeguarding its water rights and rejecting unilateral measures that could undermine its water security. Prabowo expressed regret over any violations of international law or attempts to diminish states' water rights, and voiced support for Egypt's efforts to protect its interests.
The two presidents also agreed to expand cooperation in education, culture and youth. Prabowo welcomed Al-Azhar University's November 2025 decision to introduce Indonesian language studies at its Faculty of Languages and Translation. Al-Sisi said Egypt continued to receive thousands of Indonesian students each year at Al-Azhar and other Egyptian universities, describing educational and cultural ties as a central pillar of relations between the two countries.
Key points
- Egypt and Indonesia aim to increase bilateral trade to $5bn by 2030.
- The two countries agree to expand joint manufacturing in priority sectors.
- Egypt and Indonesia reaffirm their support for an independent Palestinian state.
