"I am grateful, as at this time, intensive cooperation has been built between the two countries," Ambassador Fananie noted in a statement made at the event to commemorate the 73rd anniversary of Indonesia`s Independence Day in Baku and received by Antara through a message service here, Wednesday.
Fananie added that Indonesia and Azerbaijan had built cooperation in the fields of trade, economics, social culture, and education.
"Of course, this is a benchmark for the progress in cooperation between Indonesia and Azerbaijan as one of the Caucasus countries," Fananie, who was adjudged the best ambassador in Azerbaijan thrice, stated.
In addition, the ambassador pointed to the links between Islam in Azerbaijan and Indonesia that are also getting closer.
"Two months ago, I had visited the Sundu and Maraza regions. I noticed similarities in some tombstones in both regions with those in Barus and Aceh in Indonesia. In the near future, the Indonesian team will trace the relationship of Islam in Azerbaijan and Indonesia," Fananie explained.
Meanwhile, Azerbaijan`s Minister of Education Abulfaz Garayev, who was present at the diplomatic reception, stated that Indonesia was the first country to recognize Azerbaijan`s independence in 1991.
"Indonesia was the first country to recognize Azerbaijan`s independence in 1991. Since then, our diplomatic relations are getting stronger. We have built sound economic and socio-cultural cooperation. I hope we will forge cooperation in other fields in future," Garayev stated.
The diplomatic reception to mark the 73rd Indonesian Independence Day in Baku was also attended by several ambassadors from fellow countries.
Editing by Suharto
Reporter: Libertina W. Ambari
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
