The governments of Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have agreed to work together to support the development of Indonesian traditional martial art pencak silat by organizing an international tournament.
"Pencak silat is a sport that our nation is proud of. Synergy with the UAE, a country that places special attention on martial arts, is expected to promote pencak silat to a broader population in the world," Youth and Sports Minister DitoAriotedjo said.
He delivered the remarks during a bilateral meeting with UAE Education Minister Ahmad Belhoul Al-Falasi in Abu Dhabi on Friday (April 24, 2024), according to a statement received from his ministry here on Friday.
Related news: Indonesia explores sports cooperation opportunities in Saudi Arabia
Related news: Indonesia sends five silat athletes for Qatar National Sport Day
Related news: KOI-ANOC negotiations for pencak silat at World Beach Games 2023
Ariotedjo expressed the hope that the collaboration would have a positive impact on the development of sports in the two countries.
"Indonesia and the UAE have been successfully maintaining their relations since 1976. This cooperation surely is expected to further tighten the bond between the two countries, which, in turn, is expected to positively affect sports and youth affairs," he added.
Minister Al-Falasi, who is also serving as chairperson of the General Authority of Sports of the UAE, affirmed his government's support for the holding of a pencak silat international tournament in his country.
"The UAE fully supports the holding of a world pencak silat championship in the UAE this year," he said.
The minister also extended the Emirati government's willingness to support Indonesia's bid to host for U-20 FIFA World Cup in 2027.
"The UAE supports Indonesia's bid to become the host of the U-20 FIFA World Cup 2027 with pleasure," he said.
Read also: Governor leads 10,000 silat fighters breaking MURI record
Read also: Indonesian, foreign silat fighters attend Parang Day Festival 2023 in Banjarmasin
Translator: Aloysius L, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Editor : Mahdani
COPYRIGHT © ANTARA News Kalimantan Selatan 2024