Ex-Iranian General: Indonesia, Its Muslims Are Our Friends
Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
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- A retired Iranian general stated that Indonesia and its Muslim population are considered friends of Iran.
- He emphasized strong existing relations and highlighted Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia, as a significant Islamic base.
- The Indonesian ambassador represented the government at the funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with the Foreign Ministry expressing appreciation for the invitation.
Brigadier General Esmail Ahmadi Moghaddam, a retired Iranian military official, has affirmed that Indonesia and its predominantly Muslim population are viewed as friends by Iran. Moghaddam made these remarks during a meeting with journalists and influencers in Tehran, amidst the funeral procession for the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Southeast Asia and Indonesia are one of the major bases of Islam. We have had and continue to have very good relations.
"Southeast Asia and Indonesia are one of the major bases of Islam. We have had and continue to have very good relations," Moghaddam stated. He underscored the significance of Indonesia as a large Islamic hub and expressed Iran's commitment to maintaining strong ties with the nation and its people.
Regarding Indonesia's representation at Khamenei's funeral, Moghaddam conveyed that while any participation is appreciated, the absence of a delegation for any reason is also understood, with prayers for their success offered. He differentiated between adversaries and friends, clearly placing Indonesia and its Muslim citizens in the latter category, emphasizing their loyalty to Iran and Islam.
Our enemies are a different matter. Indonesia is among our friends – its government, and especially its people, who consist of millions of Muslims loyal to Iran and Islam – and we are friends of that nation.
The Indonesian Ambassador to Iran, Rolliansyah Soemirat, officially represented the Indonesian government at the funeral ceremonies. The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged receiving an official invitation from Iran and expressed gratitude for it. Ministry spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang confirmed that the ambassador's presence was the designated representation for the Indonesian government.
In relation to this, the Indonesian government has conveyed that Indonesia is represented by its ambassador to Tehran.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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