New governments in Iran, Indonesia will open ‘new, prosperous’ chapter in bilateral ties: FM Araghchi

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says the inauguration of the new administrations in Iran and Indonesia opens a new and prosperous chapter in the long-standing relations between the two Muslim countries.

Araghchi made the remarks in an opinion published by the Jakarta Post on Thursday on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Iran and Indonesia, which he described as a “milestone” that coincides with the early tenure of the newly inaugurated administrations in both nations.

“Shared cultural heritage rooted in Asian traditions, a predominantly Muslim populace, non-alignment with the Eastern and Western blocs, sovereign and independent foreign policies, advocacy for decolonization, and, most significantly, unwavering support for the oppressed Palestinian people, are salient factors that have long forged and fortified the bonds between the peoples of Iran and Indonesia,” he wrote.

He added that unjust and unilateral sanctions by the United States and its allies have failed to undermine ties between Tehran and Jakarta.

“On the contrary, these adversities have bolstered the resolve of both nations to diversify and deepen their relations, particularly in light of Iran’s strides toward self-sufficiency and progress in fields such as medicine, nanotechnology, biotechnology, nuclear science, aerospace and beyond,” the top Iranian diplomat emphasized.

He pointed to the conclusion of 11 memoranda of understanding in various fields between the two sides during the historic visit of the late Iranian president Ebrahim Raeisi to Indonesia on May 23-24, 2023 and noted that the promotion of ties with Eastern and Southeast Asian countries remains a priority for the diplomatic agenda of the administration of President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Pezeshkian: Close Iran-Indonesia ties foster unity among Muslim nations, promote peace

Pezeshkian made the remark in a message to Indonesian President Joko Widodo.

Araghchi reiterated that the main part of the foreign policy of the new Iranian administration is to open new vistas of cooperation and to broaden comprehensive and friendly relations with all nations based on dialogue, collaboration, equality and mutual respect.

“The relations between Iran and Indonesia are not confined to the bilateral level; rather, they are imbued with substantial potential for collaboration at both regional and international levels,” the Iranian foreign minister explained.

As pivotal regional powers in shaping the geopolitical order in West and Southeast Asia, Araghchi said, Iran and Indonesia play an undeniable and strategic role in managing the global order by easing conflicts and fostering stability in their respective regions.

Iran, Indonesia enjoy robust, effective international cooperation

The top diplomat said Iran and Indonesia have robust and effective cooperation within the framework of various international organizations and institutions.

“Indonesia’s principled stance on impartiality, non-selectivity, universality and resistance to politicization, particularly in matters of global concern such as human rights, provides a solid foundation for the enhancement of Iran-Indonesia relations at the international level,” he added.

He emphasized that the two countries have a common stance on fostering a balanced global order and can further strengthen their partnership through South-South cooperation, thereby instrumentally empowering the Global South.

Referring to the significant issue of Palestine, the minister noted that the positions and actions of Iran and Indonesia are deeply rooted not only in Islamic principles but also in the constitutional mandates of both nations.

Araghchi asserted that Iran’s unwavering support for Palestine and Indonesia’s commitment to eradication of colonialism have ensured both countries's comprehensive support for the oppressed Palestinian people.

He urged Iran and Indonesia to further consolidate their efforts in support of Palestinian independence in light of the Zionist regime’s intensifying atrocities against the people of Palestine over the past year.

Israel waged a genocidal Gaza onslaught on October 7, 2023, after Hamas-led resistance groups carried out a historic operation against the usurping entity in retaliation for its intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people.

So far, the occupying regime has killed more than 43,163 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 101,510 others in the besieged Gaza. 

In its brutal aggression, Israel has deliberately targeted buildings and tents sheltering displaced Palestinians and committed war crimes.

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