Solo, Central Java (ANTARA) - Former Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) received a visit from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, at his residence in Solo, Central Java, on Wednesday.

Jokowi told reporters that Al Nahyan was in Solo to visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and inspect the cardiovascular hospital being constructed with the UAE government's support.

"He visited the cardiovascular hospital, which will be donated to the city of Solo," Jokowi said.

He described the meeting as informal and simply a gathering.

"They just came here and visited my house, nothing more," Jokowi added, noting that he has known Al Nahyan for a long time.

"He is a senior member of the royal family," he remarked.

Speaking about infrastructure development in Solo, Jokowi said the process can be accelerated with several funding sources, including the regional budget (APBD).

"In addition to the APBD, there is the state budget and grants. I believe these will speed up development in Solo," he noted.

When asked about potential future cooperation, Jokowi deflected the question to current officials.

"I am now just a citizen. Please direct that question to the local or central government. Do not ask me," he said.

Meanwhile, Acting Mayor of Solo, Dhoni Widianto, stated that the construction of the cardiovascular hospital funded by the UAE is nearly complete.

"It is almost finished, with progress above 95 percent," he noted.

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Translator: Aris W, Kenzu
Editor: Anton Santoso
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