TEHRAN – Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ali Khamenei told President Joko Widodo on Wednesday that Iran has a “brotherly” view toward Indonesia.

The Leader also said, “The Islamic Republic of Iran views the progress and dignity of Indonesia, as a Muslim and populous country, as the pride of the Islamic Ummah.”

The Leader also said the two countries of Iran and Indonesia have great potential for commercial, economic, political and cultural ties.

“We believe that Islamic nations, contrary to the wishes of enemies, should buttress each other and avoid differences,” Ayatollah Khamenei noted.

The Leader went on to say that the level of economic and trade ties between Iran and Indonesia is not commensurate to the great and different capacities of the two nations, suggesting that the value of trade ties should reach “20 billion dollars” in a certain period of time.

The Leader also said the conflicts in the Middle East region have been fueled by outside forces that have “evil goals”.

Ayatollah Khamenei also lauded the Indonesian government for its stance on the Palestinian issue.

Many of these crises that the region is facing were created with the aim of forcing the Palestinian issue into oblivion, he said, adding that the Palestinian cause must not be neglected.

The Leader suggests that the value of trade ties between Iran and Indonesia should reach “20 billion dollars” in a certain period of time.

“Today, Indonesia and the Islamic Republic share similar stances on various international issues,” the Leader remarked.

Pointing to the recent earthquake in Indonesia, Ayatollah Khamenei asked for Allah’s mercy and forgiveness for the souls of the deceased and expressed sympathy with their families.

Widodo, for his part, said that the main purpose of his visit to Iran is to expand economic relations, especially in the field of energy.

“We had constructive meetings with Iran’s government and we agreed to develop cooperation in the field of gas and refinery,” Widodo stated.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Widodo emphasized that Indonesia is committed to the Palestinian cause, saying, “We are serious and active in supporting the rights of Palestinian people.”

MH/PA