“We consider your visit as another manifestation of mutual interest in developing cooperation,” said Islam Karimov. “While Uzbekistan and Indonesia are geographically far apart, the historical and spiritual closeness and a single religion make us close.”

Indonesia was one of the first foreign states that President Islam Karimov visited after Uzbekistan gained independence. The visit had laid the legal foundations for the development of relations between the countries.

The foreign ministries of the two states have been holding regular consultations that create opportunities to exchange views on important issues related to cooperation.

Indonesia is one of the important economic partners of Uzbekistan in Southeast Asia. A number of companies with Indonesian capital function in Uzbekistan, including Uzbekistan International (marketing in telecommunications) and PT Hikman Albros (hotel service).

Indonesia, like Uzbekistan, has a great potential and experience in the development and use of natural resources. The country produces oil, natural gas, coal, tin, copper, nickel, gold and other minerals. Considering this, it can be said that Uzbekistan-Indonesia cooperation in this field has great prospects.

The friendship society Uzbekistan-Indonesia makes a great contribution to strengthening the friendly ties between the peoples of the two countries. In 1997, a document on establishment of twin-city relations between Samarkand and Banda Aceh was signed. Since 2001, the center for study of the national language of Indonesia – Bahasa Indonesia – operates at the Samarkand Institute of Economy and Service.

During the visit of Foreign Minister Hasan Wirayuda to Tashkent an intergovernmental memorandum was signed on the establishment of a joint commission for bilateral cooperation, which demonstrates the interest of Uzbekistan and Indonesia to expansion of relationships in all spheres.

At the meeting with President of Uzbekistan, the Foreign Minister of Indonesia said his country was interested in expanding cooperation with Uzbekistan.