Member of the House Commission I Abdul Kadir Karding speaks to reporters. Photo: Dok/Man

The naming of one of the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) main streets in Abu Dhabi after President Joko Widodo symbolizes a close relationship between Indonesia and UAE, said Member of the House Commission I—overseeing matters relating to foreign affairs—Abdul Kadir Karding, adding that the naming shows how UAE respects Indonesia.

“UAE has considerable respect for Indonesia and they consider us their close friend, their brother,” Karding told reporters on Tuesday (20/10/2020). “The naming of a street after Mr. Jokowi is a gift for the first anniversary of his second administration and the sixth anniversary of his overall dedication to Indonesia.”

Furthermore, the National Awakening Party (PKB) politician added that the UAE Government highly appreciates President Jokowi's leadership. Karding stated that Jokowi was deemed a successful leader from a global perspective. "They also appreciate President Jokowi's leadership. He has been considered successful in developing our nation and putting Indonesia on the map. He has also been successful in communicating and in building good relations with other countries, especially Middle East countries, including the UAE," Karding said.

The inauguration of President Joko Widodo's street, displayed in both English and Arabic, is expected to strengthen the Indonesia-UAE bilateral relations. "It is a good opportunity for us to strengthen our socio-economic and political relations with them. Hopefully, these friendly relations will bring benefits to Indonesia in the future," Karding asserted.

Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office, inaugurated President Joko Widodo Street on Monday (10/19/2020) at 4:45 p.m. local time. The street is situated in the heart of Abu Dhabi’s central business district --the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC)-- and the embassy district where most Foreign Mission Offices are located.

The Indonesian Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, H.E. Mr. Husin Bagis, said he was very optimistic that the naming of a street after President Joko Widodo will strengthen the current good bilateral relation between Indonesia and UAE. It has added into the current list of street names after Indonesian figures abroad such as Sukarno Street in Rabat, Morroco, along with Muhammad Hatta, Raden Ajeng Kartini, and Munir Streets in Harleem, Amsterdam, and Den Haag, the Netherlands, respectively. (ann/sf)