Indonesia, Iran Discuss Global Geopolitics, Strengthening of Cooperation

President Jokowi and President of Iran Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi deliver a joint press statement at Bogor Presidential Palace in West Java province, Tuesday (05/23). (Photo by: PR of Cabinet Secretariat/Agung)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Tuesday (05/23) at Bogor Presidential Palace hosted President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi for a bilateral meeting.

The two leaders met to discuss global geopolitical situations and potential cooperation between the two countries.

According to President Jokowi, Indonesia and Iran agree to continue support for the Palestinian cause and addressing the crisis in Afghanistan.

“We discussed global geopolitical situations and measures to promote bilateral cooperation. We agreed to continue supporting the struggle of the people of Palestine and tackle the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan by continuing to voice out access to education for women in Afghanistan and to give humanitarian aid,” he said in a press statement following the meeting.

On bilateral cooperation, President Jokowi stated that in the health sector, both countries have agreed to carry out a pilot project for telerobotic surgery, adding that pilot projects for telemedicine and collaboration for telemedicine devices in eleven community health centers are currently ongoing.

“I also addressed matters related to technology transfer co-production with Indonesian state-owned enterprises and biotechnological and nanotechnological cooperation in the health, energy, agriculture, and environment sectors,” he said.

In the economic sector, President Jokowi stated that a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between the two countries have been signed by Indonesian Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan and Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian before the two leaders.

“I hope the agreement can enhance Indonesia and Iran’s trade,” he said.

The two leaders also discussed B2B agreement, investment in the development of Indonesia’s new capital of Nusantara, and solutions to investments in the oil and gas sector.

“Finally, related to railway signaling technology, I have expressed hope to carry out cooperation, joint research, technology transfer, and assembly,” he remarked.

In the meantime, President Raisi expressed appreciation for President Jokowi’s invitation to visit Indonesia.

“I hope the good relations between Indonesia and Iran can lead us to take steps to enhance relations between the two countries,” he remarked.

In addition to the PTA signing, Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation to Eradicate Trafficking in Narcotics, Psychotropic Substances, and Their Precursors was also signed during the meeting by Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi and her Iranian counterpart. (RSF/UN) (DH/EP)