Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi arrived in Jakarta, Indonesia, where he was warmly received by President Prabowo Subianto at the Presidential Palace. The two leaders held a bilateral meeting, followed by a expanded meeting with their respective delegations. During the meetings, President Sisi expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome and highlighted the importance of strengthening strategic partnership between Egypt and Indonesia.
The two leaders discussed various aspects of bilateral cooperation, including economic, trade, and cultural ties. They agreed to prioritize enhancing economic and trade cooperation, with a goal of increasing bilateral trade to $5 billion by 2030. President Sisi also emphasized Egypt's keenness to encourage Indonesian companies to increase their investments in the Egyptian market, citing Egypt's strategic location as a hub for production and export.
President Sisi and President Subianto also explored opportunities for cooperation in the fields of education and culture. They welcomed the ongoing exchange of students between Egypt and Indonesia, with thousands of Indonesian students studying in Egyptian universities every year. The two leaders emphasized the importance of this cultural and educational exchange in strengthening the bonds of brotherhood and friendship between the two nations.
The two leaders also discussed regional and international issues of common concern, including the situation in Palestine. They agreed on the need for a comprehensive and just solution to the Palestinian issue, based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital of a Palestinian state. President Sisi praised Indonesia's role in supporting efforts to stabilize the situation in Gaza and providing humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people.
President Sisi and President Subianto also exchanged views on other regional issues, including the situation in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea. They emphasized the importance of supporting de-escalation efforts and finding political solutions to various crises, as a means of achieving sustainable security and stability. President Sisi also highlighted the importance of the Nile River to Egypt's water security and expressed his country's rejection of any measures that could harm its water interests.
The two leaders witnessed the signing of four memoranda of understanding between Egypt and Indonesia, covering cooperation in maritime affairs, fisheries, statistical cooperation, and a plan of action for strategic partnership. They also agreed to exempt holders of diplomatic, official, and special passports from visa requirements. The two leaders concluded their talks with a joint press conference, during which they reiterated their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation.
President Sisi expressed his gratitude to President Subianto for the warm welcome and hospitality, and invited him to visit Egypt at the earliest opportunity. He also congratulated the Indonesian people on their progress and development, and wished them continued stability and prosperity. The visit marked a significant milestone in the relations between Egypt and Indonesia, which have a long history of cooperation and friendship.
Key points
- Egypt and Indonesia aim to increase bilateral trade to $5 billion by 2030.
- The two leaders agreed on the need for a comprehensive and just solution to the Palestinian issue.
- Egypt and Indonesia signed four memoranda of understanding to enhance cooperation in various fields.
