Abu Dhabi: The General Authority of Sports (GAS) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Indonesia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.

The agreement enhances friendly relations and cooperation between both nations in sports, while also advancing strategic partnerships. The objective is to leverage administrative and technical expertise and human and material resources available to both parties. By developing joint programmes and initiatives in collaboration with relevant organisations from both countries, both entities aim to fulfil their strategic plans for sports development and improve their performance across various aspects of sports-related efforts.

Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Education and Chairman of the General Authority of Sports, and Ario Bimo Nandito Ariotedjo, Minister of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Indonesia, signed the MoU in the presence of Sheikh Suhail Bin Butti Al Maktoum, Executive Director of the Sports Development Sector at the General Authority of Sports. Representatives from the UAE sports sector and a high-level delegation from the Indonesian sports sector were also present.

Dr. Al Falasi said, “The MoU reflects the joint commitment of both countries to foster collaboration in sports by harnessing sports science, promoting community sports, advancing school and university sports, and nurturing competitive sports. Additionally, it seeks to improve the opportunities for athletes and encourage their participation in regional and international conferences, seminars, and sports forums on both regional and global levels.”

He added, “The agreement is pivotal in our continuous efforts to elevate the sports sector by forming alliances with regional and global sports entities. Through the exchange of specialised expertise, this agreement reinforces the long-lasting bond between both nations and fosters cooperation among our sports organisations. The key goal is to achieve shared sports objectives, acting as a catalyst for attaining national sports achievements and achieving further successes for UAE’s sports, aligning with the visions and ambitions of our wise leadership.”

Ario Ariotedjo said, “This agreement is a testament to our shared commitment to advancing sports and strengthening ties between our two nations.

“Through this MoU, we are setting a foundation for extensive cooperation in sports, encompassing the exchange of coaches and athletes, sports management, and the enhancement of our respective sporting events and organisations. Our collaboration is tailored to support mutual interests in various sports. Moreover, we are committed to supporting each other in hosting global sporting events. Full support from the UAE for our U-20 bid to host the football world cup last year was highly notable, and we endeavour for more supportive measures.”

The MoU aims to reinforce collaboration between both nations in sports through several key avenues. These avenues include visits between government officials, experts, athletes, coaches, and researchers. Furthermore, it entails the exchange of experiences, knowledge, skills, technologies, information, publications, data, and educational resources.

Additionally, capacity-building programmes will be implemented to enhance the qualifications of personnel engaged in the sports sector of both countries. This will be achieved through diverse initiatives such as training programmes and workshops. Moreover, both parties will help promote a wide array of sports categories, encompassing (community - competitive – school and University) sports.