Tehran, Iran, Oct. 14
By Mehdi Sepahvand - Trend:
Indonesian Foreign Minister Rento Marsudi met her Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif here on Oct. 14.
In a press conference they held after their meeting, the two sides welcomed closer mutual bonds, Trend's correspondent reported from Tehran.
Marsudi's visit comes along numerous trips by world officials that have increased in the past couple of years when Iran adopted the policy of engaging with the world.
The foreign visits especially increased in frequency since Iran and the group P5+1 (the US, UK, France, Russia, China, and Germany) reached a conclusion on Iran 's nuclear deal called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on July 14.
Marsudi said that in the past six months, six Indonesian ministerial delegations have visited Tehran, underlining the favor of both sides toward expanding mutual relations.
She added that political proximity between the two countries has led to efforts to conduct economic relations as well. The two countries need to work in the area of energy in particular, she stressed.
Marsudi also said that earlier in the day the two countries signed two MoUs in the diplomatic and political spheres.
Marsudi pointed to the Islamic roots of both countries and stressed that Iran and Indonesia should help promote tolerance and religious proximity. She said Iran and Indonesia should use the opportunities available through the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to pursue shared interests.
Zarif, for his part, said Iran-Indonesia relations have so far been robust and positive.
He pointed out that as two Islamic countries, members to the Non-Aligned Movement, and other international organizations, the two countries can successfully follow shared interests.
He said Iran and Indonesia are discussing ways to fight sectarianism, extremism, and terrorism.
During the current year the two countries also held sessions by their joint economic commission, he pointed out.
Zarif stressed that Iran and Indonesia can work a lot in the areas of oil, gas, and infrastructural projects, when Indonesia has been a leading country and Iran needs to start many projects.
He also said the two countries should improve their banking and monetary relations.
Edited by CN