TEHRAN – Iran’s Minister of Information and Communications Technology Sattar Hashemi praised Indonesia’s support for Iran during Israel’s 12-day war with the United States in June, saying it was a testament to the enduring friendship and unity between the two countries.
Speaking at a ceremony in Tehran commemorating Indonesia’s 80th anniversary of independence and 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Hashemi praised the “invaluable position” of the Indonesian government, parliamentarians and people during the conflict.
“The Indonesian embassy in Tehran played an important role during and after the war by continuing consular services and political communication,” he said. Hashemi stressed that “strengthening peace and stability in the region and the world, supporting multilateralism” is the common approach of Tehran and Jakarta.
Hashemi, who also serves as Iran’s co-chairman of the Iran-Indonesia Joint Economic Cooperation Committee, emphasized the potential for new partnerships in advanced technology.
“Joint projects in information technology and artificial intelligence can significantly contribute to major development projects between Iran and Indonesia,” he said.
He added that close cooperation on cybersecurity and cross-border digital trade within the BRICS framework would be a “common and effective step towards the future of bilateral relations.”
He said deepening ties with Indonesia is a key pillar of Iran’s foreign policy, noting that the two countries can expand cooperation across political, economic, cultural, scientific and technological fields “through continued consultations.”
Hashemi touched on the long-standing relationship between the two countries, calling them “symbols of friendship, brotherhood, cooperation and mutual respect.”
He emphasized the historical depth of the bilateral exchanges, which are rooted in ancient trade and Islamic teachings, and stressed that close ties will help strengthen the unity of the Islamic Ummah and advance the interests of both countries.
Hashemi also praised Indonesia as a “progressive country with the world’s largest Muslim population” and an active member of major international and regional organizations, including the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Non-Aligned Movement, BRICS, the G20 and ASEAN.
He said that Iran, which has a strategic location in Southwest Asia as a bridge between East and West, considers cooperation with Indonesia in such forums essential to promote common interests and achieve “ideals of justice” in the international arena.
Also speaking at the ceremony, Indonesian Ambassador to Tehran Loryanshah Suemirat said that relations between Iran and Indonesia have been long-standing and deeply rooted in a common culture and mutual respect.
“The two countries have had a long and strong relationship in the economic, political, cultural and social fields, and we should continue to strengthen these ties,” he said.
He added that both countries face similar global challenges but share a commitment to equality in diplomacy and international relations.
Echoing the president’s recent remarks at the United Nations, Soemirat reaffirmed Indonesia’s rejection of “an approach in which the strong do all they can and the weak are forced to suffer,” and stressed the need for fairness, diplomacy and mutual understanding between developing countries.