“The political ties and mutual cooperation between Iran and Indonesia are very good, and the economic relations have been recently reinforced with the implementation of JCPOA (the nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers),” Mohammadi told the Tasnim News Agency on Saturday.
“It is hoped that we will witness the results and benefits of the (recent) developments in the two countries’ ties soon,” he added, expressing the hope that with the removal of anti-Iran sanctions, the value of economic exchanges between Tehran and Jakarta, which stood at $2 billion in 2011 but dropped to $300 million last year, would rise to $2 billion again.
“Indonesia’s energy minister is slated to visit Tehran this week in a bid to expand economic cooperation between the two countries,” Mohammadi announced, adding that the upcoming visit by Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif, which will take place on Sunday, is also expected to boost bilateral ties.
“Dr Zarif will visit Indonesia to attend an extraordinary meeting of Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) due to be held in Jakarta on the issue of Palestine and the Holy Quds,” he noted.
Zarif will take part in the ministerial meeting on Sunday noon, and the Leaders’ Summit on Monday on behalf of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, the Iranian envoy added.
The Iranian foreign minister will also hold separate meetings with his Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi and President Joko Widodo, he said.
Foreign Minister Zarif will start his 11-day tour of southeastern Asia and Oceania on Sunday. He is scheduled to visit six countries including Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, Thailand, New Zealand, and Australia.