Indonesia-Iran bilateral relations: Strengthening cooperation in pursuing international peace and stability

This research aims to analyze the strengthening of relations between Indonesia and Iran in the efforts and commitments of the two countries to achieve peace and stability. Bilateral relations began in ۱۹۵۰, and raises to the higher level diplomatic upgrading. The political interactions between the two influential Islamic countries have been going well, marked by mutual visits by the heads of state or government leaders. Both countries provide mutual support in the nominating for positions or membership of international organizations. Total trade between the two countries increased ۵۲ percent from USD ۱۴۱.۶۰ million in ۲۰۱۹ to USD ۲۱۵.۹۷ million in ۲۰۲۰, amid the pandemic and global economic downturn. National interest is one of the determining factors in international relations that aiming to encourage countries to carry out intense and continuous interactions. Two countries' leadership has succeeded in bringing close economic, political, socio-cultural, and religious relations. For Indonesia, Iran has always been a good partner in bilateral relations, regional and international fora. Since February ۲۰۰۶, the two countries also have had a bilateral agreement that exempts visas for diplomatic and service passport holders. Jakarta and Tehran have ratified the policy of granting Visas on arrival for holders of ordinary passports for both countries that make short visits to Indonesia and Iran. The end of the Arab Spring increasingly marks the peaceful progress between Iran and Saudi Arabia and influences the stability of world security. Indonesia pays special attention to this regional effort and has a commitment to mediate peace between the two countries and encourage the Middle East peace path. Regional stability is meaningful for the world. Our study revealed that closer political-economic cooperation still needs to be continued further and mutually benefit each other. This study provides novel baseline results on bilateral patterns of simultaneous cooperation and prioritizing extensive collaboration.

Keywords:

bilateral relations , economic cooperation , Indonesia , Iran , peace and stability