Azernews.Az

By Aynur Karimova

Iran and Indonesia have welcomed closer mutual bonds between the two countries.

At a press conference held after a meeting of Indonesian Foreign Minister Rento Marsudi with her Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif in Tehran on October 14, the sides expressed interest in expanding mutual relations.

In her remarks, Marsudi said that in the past six months, six Indonesian ministerial delegations have visited Tehran. Also, political proximity between the two countries has led to efforts to conduct economic relations.

"The two countries need to work in the area of energy in particular," she added.

Marsudi also stressed the importance of two Memorandums of Understanding signed between the two countries in the diplomatic and political fields.

Zarif, in turn, said that Iranian-Indonesian relations have been robust and positive so far.

He also noted that the two countries can work a lot in the fields of oil, gas, and infrastructural projects, when Indonesia is a leading country and Iran needs to start many projects.

Zarif stressed the importance of improving banking and monetary relations between the two countries as well.

Local Iranian media reports that 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 U.S., UK, France, Russia, China, and Germany) reached a conclusion on Iran's nuclear deal called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on July 14, 2015.

Indonesian Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Sudirman Said believes that many countries are interested in entering the Iranian market, and in this regard, Indonesia should not lose the opportunity and be the last one.

Iran and Indonesia are keen on boosting their mutual cooperation in various fields, as well as within the organizations such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the Economic Cooperation Organization.

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Aynur Karimova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Aynur_Karimova

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