Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) said he would send a special envoy to Saudi Arabia and Iran in an effort to mediate the conflict and heightening of tension between to countries.

"Yes, I will send a special envoy to Iran and Saudi Arabia next week. It will be announced before the departure of the envoy (from the ministry of foreign affairs). I hope the departure will take place soon, possibly on Monday," President Jokowi said at the State Palace here on Friday.

The president said it is very important now to send the special envoy as there would be no direct talks.

One of the aims in sending the envoy is to deliver the Indonesian offer to serve as a mediator for the two conflicting countries.

"Sending an envoy would have different weight from only having telephone talks. We show seriousness if we send an envoy," the president said.

The diplomatic relations between the two countries worsened after Saudi Arabia executed 47 people who were suspected terrorists, including Iranian cleric Nmr al-Nimr.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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