OREANDA-NEWS. On May 13, 2008 President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov received Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia Hasan Wirayuda at the Oqsaroy residence, reported the Official website www.investuzbekistan.uz.

"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.

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