Indonesia celebrates 77th Independence Day in Ankara

By Sorwar Alam

ANKARA (AA) - Indonesia and Türkiye are getting closer and stronger as they enjoy brotherly, sincere and powerful relations in every sector, the Indonesian envoy to Türkiye said Wednesday.

Speaking at the 77th anniversary of Indonesia's Independence Day, Ambassador Lalu Muhammad Iqbal said that although the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1950, they have had long-rooted ties since the Ottoman era in the 15th century.

"In the midst of very difficult times during the (coronavirus) pandemic, Indonesia-Türkiye relations were not slowing down. In fact, we were getting closer and stronger."

He thanked Türkiye, saying “a friend in need is a friend indeed."

He also noted that Ankara and Jakarta are keen to launch the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council during Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's upcoming visit to the Southeast Asian nation.

Also speaking at the event, Türkiye's Industry and Technology Minister Mustafa Varank said the two countries had introduced "a greater momentum in our relations" thanks to high-level visits and contacts made recently.

"We aspire to organize the first session of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council during the official visit of President Erdogan to Bali in November," he added.

Highlighting that both countries are important in their own regions, Varank said: "We strive to enhance and diversify our collaboration in a wide range of areas such as trade, science and technology, agriculture, and the defense industry."