TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo congratulated Indonesian President Joko Widodo or Jokowi for the latter's re-election. Abe expressed his content upon the continuity of both countries’ partnership via a phone call Wednesday, May 22.

Indonesia, Abe mentioned, is an essential partner for Japan as the two countries shared universal values such as freedom, democracy, human rights, and legal supremacy.

He also shared happiness on the inauguration of MRT Jakarta as the symbol of both countries’ alliance in the infrastructure sector last March and hoped it would further strengthen ties between the two.

President Jokowi thanked Abe for the remark and said that he waited for another opportunity to work with Japan as well in order to strengthen the strategic partnership of both countries in the new Reiwa era.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani also sent a congratulatory message on Thursday, May 23. Rouhani hoped the relations between Iran and Indonesia would develop further in the next period of Jokowi’s administration.

As quoted from irna.ir, Rouhani appreciated Indonesia’s independent stance about international issues. Tehran and Jakarta, he said, would utilize all existing capacities to tighten their friendship. He also prayed for the health, prosperity, and victory of the Indonesian President and the people as well.

SUCI SEKARWATI

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