Iran Hopes for Continuation of Democracy in Indonesia

Jakarta (Antara) - The Iranian Ambassador to Indonesia, Mahmoud Farazandeh, expressed his hope that the next elected Indonesian President will continue with democracy in Indonesia. "What we are looking for definitely is the continuation of the beautiful democracy that prevails in this country," Mahmoud told Antara, here on Tuesday evening, after celebrating the Iranian Islamic Revolution Day. According to him, the next Indonesian leader should support the peace and tranquility as well as the development of harmony in Indonesia. He added that the elected leader should raise the culture of Indonesia as one united nation that moves ahead to the international level. "I do hope the next Indonesian President will definitely continue to develop the warm bilateral relationship between both our countries," Mahmoud emphasized. Relating to the foreign policy implemented by the government of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Mahmoud added that the leader has played an important role in practicing democracy. "There is a trend of growing up, growing bigger and growing homogenous. The democratic nature of participation by all people is also a part of it," Mahmoud added. The Ambassador pointed out that his institution has received official invitation from Yudhoyono to the Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to visit Indonesia. However, Mahmoud cannot confirm the exact date for Rouhani to visit Indonesia. "I don't have any exact detail about when President Rouhani will visit Indonesia," Mahmoud explained. The Ambassador added that the President will discuss a wide range of cooperation efforts that have been mutually conducted by Iran and Indonesia. "They will also discuss the spectrum of international and regional affairs and the issue of Islamic world in Indonesia," Mahmoud stated. (*)