June 4, 2009: Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono gives special consideration to relations with Arab countries. Yudhoyono calls for stronger political, economic and strategic relations with Arabs, according to Dino Patti Jalal, spokesperson for President Yudhoyono. "The Palestinian cause is among President Yudhoyono's priorities. He strongly supports the establishment of an independent Palestinian state and welcomes any recommendations from Arabs on ways to support Palestinians." "Ambassadors of Arab countries to Jakarta were the first to receive invitations from Indonesian President Yudhoyono upon winning presidential elections in 2004," remarked Jalal at a special meeting in Jakarta with Arab Ambassadors.

The meeting which was organized by UAE Ambassador to Indonesia Youssef Rashid Al-Sharhan, dean of the diplomatic corps in the Indonesian capital, as part of efforts to boost Indonesian-Arab relations and contacts with the Indonesian business community and politicians, also discussed the political developments in Indonesia during the current presidential elections. The Indonesian senior official said there are efforts being made in this direction in Indonesia to urge the business community to explore resources and potentials in the Arab countries.

Arab Ambassadors stressed the need for stronger relations with Indonesia. Arab investments in Indonesia reached US$ 7 billion and are expected to surge to US$ 10 billion during this year. Indonesian-Arab trade stand at US$ 10 billion while Indonesian expatriates in Arab courtiers send around US$ 6 billion in remittances to their home country.