Iran's Ambassador to Indonesia Mahmoud Farazandeh said Iran's progress in scientific and technological areas belongs to the entire Islamic world, IRNA reported.
In a joint meeting with governor of Bengkulu Province, Farazandeh described the Indonesians as people who are very close to Iranians in cultural, Islamic and justice-seeking spirit. He added that officials of the two countries shared many views in international arenas.
Farazandeh noted that Iran attached high importance to economic and political cooperation with Indonesia regarding many old-standing common points between the two countries.
According to Farazandeh, the volume of Tehran-Jakarta trade exchange stood at $1 billion in 2010 while the figure was $800 million in the previous year.
Annual trade turnover between Iran and Indonesia reaches $700 million.
The two countries expect the trade turnover between the two Islamic countries will attain $2 billion by next year following the implementation of the preferential tariffs agreement
At present, main commodities exported from Iran to Indonesia include petrochemicals, tomato paste, dates and tea, while various kinds of paper, furniture, iron and natural rubber comprise imported items from there.
Farazandeh said paving the way for introducing the trade capacities of the two countries, as well as exchange of trade delegations and expanding scientific and academic cooperation were necessary for preparing the ground for boosting bilateral ties with Indonesia and further presence of the Iranian businessmen in that region.
Meanwhile, the Indonesian official welcomed Iran's projects for Bengkulu Province.
Edited by: S. Isayev
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