Ayatollah Khamenei, Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, met Wednesday with Joko Widodo, President of Indonesia. President Rouhani was also present at the meeting.
Referring to the numerous capacities of both countries, His Eminence stressed the necessity of increasing cooperation in economic, political and cultural areas, reiterating: “The Islamic Republic considers the progress and dignity of Indonesia – as a populous Muslim country – to be a source of pride and dignity for the Islamic Ummah.”
The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution stated that the Islamic Republic’s outlook towards Indonesia is an outlook that is based on brotherhood and cooperation.
He pointed to the good achievements of Indonesia in different areas and added: “The Islamic Republic of Iran too has numerous capacities in the area of the economy, natural resources and mines and we believe that despite the wishes of the enemies, Islamic countries should strengthen one another and avoid discord.”
Ayatollah Khamenei mentioned that the low level of economic interactions between Iran and Indonesia does not befit the numerous capacities of the two countries, saying: “By drawing up specific timetables, we should increase the level of economic interactions to figures such as 20 billion dollars.”
His Eminence pointed to the agreements that have been signed between Iran and Indonesia and said: “There should be an effort to put these agreements into practice. Of course, there are some opponents of this cooperation, but we should overcome them with a serious approach and with firm determination.”
The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution also believes that the relationship and interaction between Iranian and Indonesian ulama is an auspicious phenomenon, one that will lead to the formation of continuous cooperation between the two countries.
Ayatollah Khamenei stated that the existing conflicts in West Asia are imposed from the outside and they are shaped on the basis of the malevolent goals of foreigners.
Praising the positions of Indonesia on the issue of Palestine, he reiterated: “Many of these crises have been created with the purpose of consigning to oblivion the most difficult crisis of the region and the main issue of the world of Islam – Palestine. However, this issue should not be allowed to be forgotten.”
His Eminence praised the outstanding personality of Sukarno [the first president of Indonesia] and his important role in forming the Bandung Conference – which was the main pillar of launching the Non-Aligned Movement – stressing: “Today too, the political positions of Indonesia and the Islamic Republic of Iran in international congresses and meetings are close to one another.”
Referring to the recent earthquake in Indonesia, Ayatollah Khamenei expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and to the people of Indonesia.
Joko Widodo stated that the people of Indonesia are interested in the Islamic Republic of Iran and that his purpose of traveling to Iran is to expand economic relations particularly in the area of energy. He added: “We have had constructive talks with the Iranian administration. It was decided that as well as our cooperation in the area of gas and refineries, Iranian companies such as MAPNA would invest in Indonesia in the area of power plants.”
The President of Indonesia mentioned that this cooperation is the beginning of a new chapter in the relations between Iran and Indonesia, adding: “This level of economic interactions does not befit the status of these two great Islamic countries. Reaching a 20-billion-dollar rate is quite possible.”
Widodo referred to tourism, and scientific and academic exchanges as other areas for cooperation between the two countries. Expressing his regret at the existing instabilities and crises in the region, he stressed: “We believe that if Muslim countries become united, they can turn into a big and influential economic power.”
The President of Indonesia touched on the issue of Palestine and reiterated: “Indonesia considers itself committed to the Palestinian cause and we are serious and active in supporting the rights of the people of Palestine.”
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