During a bilateral meeting, Indonesian President Joko Widodo and his Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raisi discussed the global geopolitical situation and a number of potential cooperation between the two countries.

Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – Indonesian President Joko Widodo and his Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raisi discussed the global geopolitical situation in a bilateral meeting held at the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java, on Tuesday.

The bilateral meeting between the two leaders also discussed a number of potential cooperation between the two countries, the Indonesian Cabinet Secretariat said in a written statement as quoted by Indonesia Window on Wednesday.

In a press statement after the meeting, President Widodo explained that Indonesia and Iran agreed to continue to support the struggle of the Palestinian people and overcome the crisis in Afghanistan.

"Earlier we discussed the world's geopolitical situation and strengthening bilateral cooperation. We agree to continue to support the struggle of the Palestinian people and overcome the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, by continuing to call for educational access for women in the country and to provide humanitarian assistance," the head of state said.

Regarding the bilateral cooperation, Widodo said that in the health sector, the two countries agreed to carry out a pilot project for telerobotic operations.

In addition, pilot projects on telemedicine and collaborations on telemedicine equipment in 11 community health centers have also been running, he noted.

The bilateral cooperation also covered technology transfer and joint production with Indonesian state-owned enterprises, as well as the field biotechnology and nanotechnology for health, energy, agriculture and the environment,

Meanwhile in the economic field, Jokowi pointed out that the two countries have  signed a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) document. The document was signed by Indonesian Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan and Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs Hossein Amirabdollahian.

"Hopefully it will further increase the trade between Indonesia and Iran," the president said.

In addition, the two leaders also explored the establishment of business-to-business or B2B agreements, as well as investments in Indonesia’s new capital city development in East Kalimantan province, and in the oil and gas sector.

"Finally, regarding railway signal technology, I have expressed my hope for cooperation, joint research, technology transfer, and assembling," he concluded.

Meanwhile, President Raisi in his statement conveyed his respectful greetings to the Indonesian people and appreciation for President Widodo's invitation. Raisi also admitted that he was happy to be in Indonesia which was considered a friendly and brotherly country.

"I hope that with good relations between us and Indonesia, some steps could be taken towards expanding relations between the two countries," said the Iranian leader.

In addition to the signing of the PTA, a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to eradicate illicit trafficking of narcotics, psychotropic substances and the precursors was signed by Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno L.P. Marsudi and his Iranian counterpart Amirabdollahian.

Reporting by Indonesia Window