Iran, Indonesia keen to expand ties

Antara ,  Tehran   |  Wed, 07/30/2008 11:05 AM  |  World

The foreign ministers of Iran and Indonesia met here Monday evening to discuss bilateral relations, Antara reported Wednesday.

The meeting was held on the eve of Tuesday's 15th annual foreign ministerial meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).

In their meeting, Iran's Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki and his Indonesian counterpart, Hassan Wirajuda, called for greater cooperation among NAM member states.

The 118 member states, as well as 15 observer members and eight international and regional organizations, will be attending.

Expressing his satisfaction with the current state of Tehran- Jakarta relations, Mottaki said the two countries' leaders are determined to boost existing ties, adding he hoped Indonesia would continue to play an effective role in the promotion of the NAM.

Mottaki lauded Jakarta's logical stance toward Iran's peaceful nuclear program.

Expressing his concern over current global challenges, Indonesia's Foreign Minister said the NAM plays a crucial role in confronting such challenges.

He called for solidarity among NAM member states, emphasizing all-out cooperation as a means of strengthening unity.

Hassan also underscored the need to realize existing agreements between the two states. (****)

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