In 2020, Russia and Indonesia celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
In this regard, the Indonesian national newspaper "Compass" published an article by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov "Russia and Indonesia: 70 years of fruitful cooperation". The translation of the article is available on the website of the Russian Foreign Ministry.
"The significant date is always a good opportunity not only to take stock together of the traversed path, but also to plan for the future", it says, in particular.
To get acquainted with original Indonesia our compatriots have managed in the XIX century when Russian naval expeditions began to visit the Islands of the archipelago.
After the independence of Indonesia in 1945, the Soviet Union provided the young state full support.
"Jakarta to found in Moscow a trusted friend in the formation of statehood, development of the national economy, strengthening position in the international arena", Lavrov noted.
Today, Indonesia is an important partner of Russia in Southeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific region as a whole. There is regular dialogue at summit and high levels.
Inter-parliamentary relations are developing steadily. On a regular basis there are meetings through the leadership of the chambers of legislative bodies, successfully operating profile of the friendship group.
A high level of mutual trust creates an atmosphere conducive to the promotion of military and military-technical cooperation.
Countries cooperate closely in countering challenges and threats to security. Between the relevant agencies there is a regular and productive dialogue.
Ties in the fields of education, culture and sports are being strengthened. Interregional exchanges bring significant returns. Russian tourists appreciate the hospitality of the Indonesian resorts.
"We value current tight contacts between diplomatic departments of Russia and Indonesia. At the heart of our foreign policy cooperation is coincidence or similarity of approaches to key problems of our time", the article reads.
Indonesia is the world's largest Muslim state and is a member of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Islam is practiced by 88% of the country's population.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Russian Foreign Ministry