Minister of Information and Communication Technology Seyed Sattar Hashemi said joint projects in the fields of information technology and artificial intelligence can contribute to major development programs between Iran and Indonesia.
“Strengthening cooperation in the
field of cybersecurity and developing cross-border digital trade within the
framework of the BRICS is a common and effective step in the future of
relations between the two countries,” he said at a ceremony commemorating
Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day in Tehran.
Hashemi who is the Iranian co-chairman
of the Joint Economic Cooperation Commission with Indonesia also said at the event
coinciding the 75th anniversary of Establishment of Tehran-Jakarta diplomatic
ties that the long history of relations between the two countries is a symbol
of friendship, brotherhood, cooperation and mutual respect.
He termed development of
relations with Indonesia as one of the important strategies in Iran's foreign
policy and said, “Deepening of relations in the political, economic,
commercial, cultural, scientific and technological fields can be achieved in a
wide range of issues at the bilateral, regional and international levels that
require continuous consultations”.
The ICT minister pointed to the
historical background of the interactions that are rooted in ancient history
and the teachings of Islam adding that development of relations between the two
countries is a factor in strengthening the unity of the Islamic ummah and
promoting the interests of the two great nations of Iran and Indonesia.
Interaction at International
Forums
Hashemi continued by describing Indonesia
as a progressive nation and the country with the largest Muslim population in
the world and said, "Indonesia, as an active and influential member of
international and regional organizations and institutions such as the United
Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Non-Aligned Movement,
BRICS, the Group of 20, the G8, and ASEAN , has a special status in the foreign
policy of Iran."
He introduced Iran's geopolitical
and geostrategic position in the Southwest Asia as a bridge between the East
and the West, and said, “Cooperation between the two countries in international
organizations and forums in line with common interests and the realization of
just ideals is a significant issue.”
Indonesia's support for Iran in 12-Day
War
Hashemi also appreciated the
position of the Indonesian government, parliamentarians, and people in
supporting Iran during the turbulent period of the 12-day war of Israel
and US against Iran last June and said, "The Indonesian Embassy in Tehran
played a valuable role during the war and afterwards, by continuing consular
services and political communications."
"Strengthening peace
and stability in the region and the world and supporting multilateralism" are
the common approaches between the two countries, he added and emphasized the firm
determination of the people and government of Iran to develop cooperation in
various fields, especially science, technology, and economics, with the aim of
securing the interests of the two nations.
In the ceremony, the Indonesian Ambassador in
Tehran Rolliansyah Soemirat also referred to mutual respect and shared values with
Iran and said, "Our countries have long and strong relations in the
economic, political, cultural and social fields and should take steps to
strengthen and expand these relations."
He added that the relations
between the two countries are positive expressing hope that cooperation between
Tehran and Jakarta would develop in all fields in the future.