Banda Aceh – Acting Regional Secretary of Aceh, Alhudri, representing the Governor of Aceh welcomed the arrival of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ambassador to Indonesia, Abdulla Salem Al Dhaheri, and his entourage at Sultan Iskandar Muda International Airport, Blang Bintang, on Sunday 9 March 2025 as quoted by rri.co.id.
Earlier, at 10 am, Alhudri also welcomed the arrival of the President Director of Mubadala Energy Indonesia, Abdulla Bu Ali, who arrived earlier than the UAE Ambassador’s entourage. Mubadala Energy is an international company from the UAE engaged in oil and gas exploration and production.
The UAE Ambassador and Mubadala Energy conducted a series of field visits in Aceh for two days, Sunday and Monday to explore opportunities for cooperation with the Aceh Administration.
After arriving at the airport and being welcomed with an honorary scarf and flowers, the UAE delegation and Acting Secretary of Aceh went straight to the Banda Aceh-Sigli Toll Road. They assessed the readiness of toll road facilities that support road travel to the eastern cross of Aceh to Medan, North Sumatra.
The group entered the Blang Bintang toll gate, which is located not far from Sultan Iskandar Muda Airport and continued their journey until the Padang Tiji toll exit.
During the transit at the Jantho toll gate, Alhudri said that the construction of the Sumatra Toll Road connecting Aceh with North Sumatra still faces obstacles at several points, especially in the Langsa-Lhokseumawe-Sigli segment which has not yet been connected. He expressed the Aceh Governor’s hope that the UAE would be willing to support the construction of the connection.
“We propose that the line from Pangkalan Brandan to Langsa, then from Langsa to Lhokseumawe, and finally to Sigli can be built,” Alhudri said.
The UAE Ambassador Abdulla Salem Al Dhaheri asked the Aceh Administration to prepare an official proposal that could be submitted to his side. He also expressed optimism about the potential for future cooperation.
“In the future, I am sure we can do many things together. We are here to meet with developers, the Governor, and exchange views on strategic steps in various sectors, including the utilization of Mubadala’s energy potential in Aceh,” he said.
This visit is expected to strengthen relations between Aceh and the UAE, especially in the fields of infrastructure and energy. It is also hoped to open up new investment opportunities that are mutually beneficial for both parties. ***
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