TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The 7th President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo or Jokowi, received a visit from the Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, at his residence in Solo, Central Java, on the third day after his retirement on Wednesday, October 23.

Sheikh Nahyan and his entourage arrived at Jokowi's residence at approximately 1:15 p.m. local time. Jokowi welcomed their arrival, dressed in a long-sleeved brown batik shirt. 

The meeting took place in private for approximately an hour later. The guests departed immediately after the meeting.

Following the meeting, Jokowi explained that the UAE Minister's visit to Solo was to inspect the Grand Mosque Sheikh Zayed Solo and the construction project of the Emirates-Indonesia Cardiology Hospital in the Solo Technopark (STP) area.

“The UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence (Sheikh Nahyan) visited the Grand Mosque Sheikh Zayed and the heart hospital, which he donated (as a grant from the UAE) to Solo,” Jokowi said.

He mentioned that after visiting these two locations, Sheikh Nahyan stopped by his residence for a casual visit. “I’ve known him for a long time,” he added.

Regarding the construction of the Emirates-Indonesia Cardiology Hospital, Jokowi mentioned that the hospital was built through a collaboration of regional and national budgets as well as external assistance or grants from the UAE. “I believe it accelerates development in the city of Solo.”

When asked about other potential cooperation plans with the UAE, Jokowi suggested directing the question to the government. “I don't know. I am now an ordinary citizen. Please ask the government, the regional government, or the central government,” he responded.

Editor’s Choice: Solo City Allots UAE Grant for Palace Revitalization

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News