TEHRAN – Indonesian Ambassador to Iran Loriansha Smirat stressed the need to promote scientific, technological and educational cooperation between Indonesia and Iran.
“Tehran-Jakarta relations need to be upgraded from political cooperation to technical cooperation,” IRNA quoted Smirat as saying.
The official made the remarks Wednesday at a conference held at Tehran University to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
He said, “To reduce science dependence on developed countries, it is essential to establish joint networks between Iran and Indonesia in key areas such as information technology, artificial intelligence (AI), clean energy, and marine science.”
Sumirat referred to the two countries’ membership in organizations such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Non-Aligned Movement and BRICS, and stressed the need to foster synergy and cooperation between the two countries to address issues in the Islamic world, the region and the world.
The official also called for expanding ties in the areas of ocean governance, energy security, climate change and the blue economy, so that the ocean becomes a uniting factor and creates a model for sustainable development.
The Indonesian ambassador also said that Indonesia opposes any unilateral sanctions and stressed the need to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue through diplomacy. “Indonesia defends the right of all countries to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.”
Foreign Minister Samirat referred to Indonesia’s status as an island nation and called for scientific cooperation between Iran and Indonesia.
Seyyed Hamzeh Safavi Homami, a faculty member at Tehran University, emphasized the importance of expanding relations between the two countries, especially academic cooperation through the signing of a memorandum of understanding.
Strengthening technology relationships
In September, a branch of Iran House of Innovation and Technology (iHiT) was established in Jakarta to strengthen economic ties between the two countries and expand exports of knowledge-based products.
ISNA reported that the center was launched at the same time as the 37th Indonesian Hospital Expo, which was held from September 25 to 28, with the support of the Vice President for Science, Technology and Knowledge Economy and the Organization for International Co-operation and Development in Science and Technology, and in the presence of Mohammad Boljerdi, Iranian Ambassador to Jakarta.
On the sidelines of the 2nd Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC-15) Dialogue Platform Ministerial Meeting held from May 18 to 20, an Indonesian delegation led by Indonesian Minister of Higher Education, Research and Technology Brian Uriart visited Tehran University’s Technology Park to learn more about the achievements of knowledge-based companies in various fields such as engineering, medicine, biotechnology, and industry.
Yuriat met with Minister of Science Hossein Simay-Salaf. Officials discussed ways to promote science and technology relations.
During the meeting, Yuriato expressed Indonesia’s readiness to emulate Iran’s achievements in technology parks and introduce the successful experience of the Indonesian Ministry of Science.
The official also expressed the intention to benefit from cooperative partnerships to carry out joint research projects in the fields of industry, medical devices, vaccines, artificial intelligence (AI) and biotechnology.
The official noted Indonesia’s population of more than 280 million people and the country’s agricultural achievements, including large-scale rice production in the new year, and emphasized Indonesia’s readiness to share these experiences with Iran.
Exchanges of professors and graduate students and visits to scientific centers were among other issues discussed by the two countries.
Simai-Sarraf highlighted the capabilities of both countries in AI and proposed developing a joint network to use available data to accelerate technological progress in both countries.
The official called on Indonesia to invest in science and technology and expressed readiness to expand scientific ties between the two countries. The establishment of a joint technology park and the provision of necessary technical consultations were also discussed.
MT/MG