Cairo, Jakarta stress need for just Palestinian settlement
President rejects unilateral measures threatening Egypt’s water security
President Abdel Fattah El Sisi has stressed the need to expand economic co-operation between Egypt and Indonesia, setting a target of raising bilateral trade to $5 billion by 2030.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta on Sunday, President Sisi said Egypt and Indonesia were committed to turning their strategic partnership and longstanding historical ties into concrete projects.
The talks at Merdeka Palace focused on boosting trade and investment, expanding joint manufacturing and strengthening political coordination on regional and international issues.
The two presidents agreed to prioritise economic co-operation and remove obstacles to achieving the trade target. They also discussed opportunities for joint manufacturing in key sectors.
President Sisi urged Indonesian companies to increase their investments in Egypt, highlighting the country’s position as a regional production and export hub and a gateway to Arab, African and international markets.
The two leaders witnessed the signing of four memoranda of understanding covering maritime affairs and fisheries, statistical co-operation, an action plan for the strategic partnership, and visa exemptions for holders of diplomatic, official and special passports.
President Sisi expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome extended by Prabowo and the Indonesian people.
He said bilateral relations had gained momentum since Prabowo’s visit to Egypt in April 2025, when the two countries agreed to elevate their bilateral ties to a strategic partnership.
Egypt was among the first countries to recognise Indonesia’s independence, establishing diplomatic relations with Jakarta in 1947, Sisi noted.
The two countries have also worked together to defend the interests of developing nations, particularly since Egypt’s participation in the historic Bandung Conference, which helped lay the foundations for the Non-Aligned Movement.
Sisi said both countries continued to support regional security and stability and coordinate their positions on issues of mutual concern.
He also stressed the importance of cultural and educational co-operation. Egypt welcomes thousands of Indonesian students each year to study at Al-Azhar and other Egyptian universities, he said, describing these exchanges as a bridge between the two peoples.
The two presidents discussed regional and international developments, warning that continued conflicts threatened security and stability.
They stressed the need to resolve crises through dialogue and diplomacy, prioritise peace and development, respect state sovereignty and territorial integrity, and refrain from interfering in other countries’ internal affairs.
The Palestinian cause featured prominently in the talks.
President Sisi said Egypt and Indonesia shared a common stance on achieving a just and comprehensive settlement based on the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the June 4, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
He described this as the only path towards a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East.
Sisi thanked Prabowo for participating in the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit in October 2025, where a document on a Gaza ceasefire was signed.
He also praised Indonesia’s role as a member of the Board of Peace and its efforts to support stability, protect civilians, rebuild Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians.
President Sisi reiterated the need to ensure the full, safe and sustained delivery of humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip. He firmly rejected any attempts to displace Palestinians, liquidate the Palestinian cause or impose demographic changes on Palestinian territory.
He also condemned what he described as systematic attacks against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and Gaza.
The two leaders also discussed the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea. They stressed the need to de-escalate tensions and pursue political solutions to regional crises to achieve lasting security and stability.
President Sisi stressed the vital importance of the River Nile to Egypt, describing it as the lifeline of the Egyptian people.
He reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to protecting its water rights and rejected any unilateral measures that could threaten its water security or undermine its historical and acquired rights.
The Indonesian president voiced regret over any violations of international law or attempts to undermine countries’ water rights. Prabowo also expressed support for Egypt’s efforts to safeguard its water interests.
Following the talks, Prabowo hosted a luncheon in honour of President Sisi and the accompanying delegation.
Sisi said Egypt and Indonesia had opened a new chapter in their relations and reaffirmed Cairo’s commitment to effective co-operation in areas of mutual interest.
He thanked Prabowo for his hospitality and expressed his desire to welcome the Indonesian president to Egypt soon to continue consultations on bilateral, regional and international issues.
President Sisi concluded by wishing Indonesia and its people continued progress, prosperity and stability.
