President Hassan Rouhani underlined the role Iran and Indonesia can play to help promote "the real and moderate Islam" to help combat terrorism and violence.
"In the current chaotic situation in the world, Iran and Indonesia can help represent the real and moderate Islam," Rouhani said in a meeting with the Indonesian president's special envoy to the Middle East, Alwi Shihab, in Tehran on Sunday.
Noting that the two countries have paid a heavy cost in the battle against terrorism and extremism, he said, "As Asian Muslim countries and co-members of international organizations such as the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Iran and Indonesia can rely on their commonalities to play an important role in addressing international and regional issues."
Rouhani said Iran welcomes increased bilateral economic ties, adding, "The two countries bear many similarities in the areas of culture and politics due to their shared Islamic culture and similar views on the fight against arrogant powers," IRNA reported.
Shihab, on behalf of Indonesian President Joko Widodo, presented an invitation to Rouhani to a ceremony which is to be held in Jakarta to mark the establishment of a conference on Asia and Africa.
"The conference aims to revive the spirit of cooperation and friendship and promote the goals of the member states to exchange experience in resolving problems," he explained.
