Jakarta – The Chief of Staff to the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Moeldoko, has expressed his enthusiasm for the growing partnership between Indonesia and the Islamic Republic of Iran.
During a meeting with the Chairman of the Iran Trade Organization and his delegation at the Bina Graha Building in Jakarta on Wednesday (24/5), Moeldoko expressed his support for bolstering the trade volume between the two nations.
Highlighting the pivotal role of the Executive Office of the President (KSP), Moeldoko affirmed its readiness to serve as a conduit for enhancing cooperation between Iran and Indonesia. Leveraging its role as a central communication hub for all ministries and institutions, the Office aims to foster seamless dialogue and exchange.
Moeldoko further stressed the need to establish an Indonesia-Iran Cooperation Committee to facilitate intensive communication and ensure the realization of mutual goals. He, who also heads the Indonesian Farmers’ Unity Association (HKTI), expressed unwavering confidence in the potential of strengthening agriculture trade ties between the two countries.
Despite the current modest level of trade cooperation, valued at USD 257.2 million in 2022, there are several promising areas of collaboration. Notably, the Chief of Staff underscored the potential in the urea fertilizer trade, given Iran’s stature as a global producer with abundant gas reserves.
Additionally, with Iran’s prominence as an exporter of fruits and agricultural products, Moeldoko highlighted the importance of knowledge exchange in the agricultural sector, where Iran’s advanced technology could greatly benefit Indonesia. He also expressed his aspiration for cooperation in cutting-edge fields like electric vehicle (EV) technology.
This comes on the heels of a significant event as President Joko Widodo welcomed Iranian President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi to the Bogor Presidential Palace on Tuesday (23/5). President Raisi’s visit to Indonesia marks a landmark moment, as it is his first official visit since commencing office in August last year. Both nations are now more committed than ever to strengthening their bilateral relations, which have deep historical roots dating back to 1950.
Alireza Peymanpak, Chairman of the Iran Trade Organization, commended Indonesia’s pivotal role as a key hub in bridging Iran’s ties with ASEAN nations. Highlighting the mutual affection between Iran and Indonesia, Peymanpak emphasized that the bilateral relationship extends beyond mere diplomatic connections, focusing on fortifying people-to-people ties and enhancing economic cooperation.
He expressed gratitude for Indonesia’s warm reception of President Raisi and the Iranian delegation, while affirming Iran’s unwavering commitment to monitoring and overseeing the implementation of the Indonesia-Iran Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) signed by the two leaders.
