Raeisi’s trip to Indonesia ‘turning point’ in Tehran- Jakarta ties: Iran FM

The Iranian foreign minister has lauded President Ebrahim Raeisi’s upcoming trip to Indonesia as a “turning point” and “new chapter” in the bilateral relations between the two Muslim countries.

Hossein Amir-Abdollahian made the remarks in an article published by Indonesia’s English-language newspaper The Jakarta Post on Monday.

“The upcoming state visit of Islamic Republic of Iran President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi to Jakarta, in response to the invitation of President Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo, marks not only a turning point in the bilateral relations between the two countries but also the commencement of a new chapter in the relations between the two great nations,” Amir-Abdollahian said.

Pointing to the significance of the Iranian president’s visit to Indonesia, the top diplomat said, “The stands of the two countries in the two regions of the Middle East and East Asia, cultural and civilizational commonalities and weighty potential for cooperation in various fields… herald the opening of a new era of relations between the two countries hinged on respect and mutual understanding.”

He stressed that the diplomatic ties between Tehran and Jakarta are now entering their eighth decade, while the relations between the two great nations have deep roots in history.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran, within the framework of a balanced, smart and dynamic foreign policy, attaches special prominence to the development of relations with Indonesia,” Amir-Abdollahian said.

“Fortunately, this determination exists on both sides, and the authorities of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Indonesia are resolute to create the required infrastructure and facilities for the development of relations in various fields,” he added.

The head of Iran’s diplomatic apparatus said discussions between the two countries during Raeisi’s visit to Jakarta will encompass a wide range of bilateral, regional and international topics.

Amir-Abdollahian added that Iran and Indonesia seek to deepen cooperation in various areas, including political, economic, trade, energy, scientific and technological, cultural, parliamentary and security fields.

Underling that the current volume of trade between the two countries is below expectations, the Iranian foreign minister said, “President Raeisi and his accompanying delegation in Jakarta provide a valuable opportunity for the public and private sectors of both countries to become more familiar with each other's economic and commercial capacities and capabilities.”

'Islamic world requires greater convergence '

Elsewhere in his article, Amir-Abdollahian pointed to the common stances of Iran and Indonesia, as two Muslim countries, in the resolution of outstanding issues across the region and the world.

“Issues such as the necessity of unity among Islamic countries, promoting the true image of Islam in the world, combating extremism and Islamophobia, and supporting the interests of Muslims worldwide, including the oppressed Palestinian people, are the points that align the foreign policy of the two countries,” he said.

“As an influential bloc in global equations, the Islamic world requires greater convergence to create opportunities for consensus, synergy and the generation of innovative ideas, benefiting the great Ummah (worldwide Islamic community),” he noted.

Stressing that the countries which have noteworthy weight in the Islamic world can play a leading role in realizing the interests of the Ummah, Amir-Abdollahian said, “Based on this, Iran welcomes the strengthening of cooperation with Indonesia, as one of the essential and influential predominantly Muslim countries in the world.”

At the head of a high-ranking delegation, Raeisi is scheduled to pay a visit to Jakarta on Monday at the official invitation of his Indonesian counterpart, Joko Widodo.

During the two-day visit to the Southeast Asian country, the Iranian president will hold meetings with the speakers of House of Representatives and the People's Consultative Assembly of Indonesia.

Raeisi will also meet with Iranian and Indonesian businessmen, hold talks with Indonesian scholars and thinkers and meet with Iranians residing in Indonesia.

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