"The visit of President Hassan Rousani of Iran to Indonesia in 2015 and President Joko Widodo`s visit to Tehran, Iran, in 2016 have renewed both countries` commitment to strengthen their bilateral relations at the highest level, encouraged by the enormous potential of the two countries. This must be explored further," stated Rudiantara in his opening remarks during the 39th anniversary celebrations of the victory of the Islamic Revolution in Iran, which was held in Jakarta, Monday evening.
He further stated that Indonesia and Iran have enjoyed a long-standing friendship, as well as socio-cultural relations. The people of both countries have been heavily engaged in trade activities and the teachings of Islam.
"The kinship between the two countries has been growing stronger, since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1950. Over the last few years, several exchange of visits between high-ranking officials, as well as numerous signings of documents of cooperation, have taken place," he added.
The minister stressed that the two countries should work closely to address trade barriers and engage their business communities.
Meanwhile, Iranian Ambassador to Indonesia Valiollah Mohammadi Nasrabadi stated that the visit of President Joko Widodo to Tehran in 2016 had enabled constructive development and offset new positive development in bilateral relations.
"In the past year, we have witnessed the exchange of visits between high-ranking political, economic, academic, cultural and technological delegation, while bilateral trade between the two countries blossomed and got a boost," he emphasized.
Furthermore, Rudiantara stated that the implementation of joint comprehensive plans had enabled the two countries to open new frontiers to explore cooperation in the field of energy, such as oil and gas products, electricity, as well as renewable energy.
Also present at the event were Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs AM Fachir, Vice Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Archandra Tahar, Speaker of the People`s Consultative Assembly Zulkifli Hasan, Vice Speaker of the House of Representatives Fadli Zon, Minister of Land and Spatial Planning Sofyan Djalil, President`s Special Envoy to the Middle East and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Alwi Shihab, as well as Chairman of the Indonesian Chambers of Commerce and Trade Rosan Roeslani.
(T.KR-ARC/A/KR-BSR/B003)
Reporter: antara
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
