Indonesian Ambassador to Tehran: Amir-Abdollahian Helped Leverage Iran's Position Globally

Martyr Amir-Abdollahian was a person of strong moral character. He was known for his modest, friendly, and intimate approach in his interactions with colleagues, friends, and even strangers.

In addition to his political initiatives and revolutionary spirit, he had a commanding presence in the region, a sharp mind, and a strong memory.

His clear and calculated speech during public addresses and meetings was another positive trait. Media and foreign policy experts often highlighted this as one of the strengths of his diplomatic speeches.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian were martyred in a helicopter crash in the northwestern province of East Azarbaijan on Sunday.

The helicopter carrying President Raisi and his accompanying delegation crashed on Sunday in the Dizmar forest, nestled between the cities of Varzaqan and Jolfa in East Azarbaijan Province.

In an interview with Iranian News Agency, regarding the martyrdom of Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Indonesian Ambassador to Tehran Ronny Prasetyo Yuliantoro touched upon his role in boosting Iran and Pakistan relations.

Innalillahi wa innailaihi rajiiun... First of all, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia and myself personally, I would like to express my sincerest condolences over the passing of President Ebrahim Raeisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, along with the delegation accompanying the president. My prayers and deepest condolence go to the family and the people of Iran, the Indonesian envoy said.

How serious did you find him in securing Iran's national interests?

FM Amir-Abdollahian was a hardworking, diligent, and charismatic person who was determined to secure Iran's National Interests.

Under his leadership, we saw Iran manage to leverage its position in the region and globally. We saw growing constructive engagement between countries in the Persian Gulf as well as regional and international organizations such as Shanghai Cooperation Organization, D-8, Eurasian Economic Union as well as BRICS. In fact, this year Iran also chaired the Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ASD).

How hardworking and active did you find him?

His sincere hard work and dedication to Iran's foreign affairs have made him successful in leveraging Iran's position and activeness in international relations.

I recall that within the last few months, FM Amir-Abdollahian and FM Rento Marsudi had maintained intensive communication on some issues of our mutual concern. During the period they have held a series of bilateral meetings at the sidelines of some international meetings as well as phone calls.

In FM Marsudi's message of condolence, she mentioned how FM Amir-Abdollahian was her good friend and always made time to meet on the sidelines of various meetings.

What were the most important characteristics of him from your point of view?

For me personally, he was a very charismatic person which, made him a very well-respected person not only in Iran but also in the diplomatic community. We have maintained close contact since we were preparing for the visit of President Ebrahim Raisi to Jakarta last year and the follow-up actions after the visit. He and his team at the foreign ministry were determined to advance Indonesia-Iran bilateral relations.

How effective were his measures in boosting Iran and your country's ties?

FM Amir-Abdollahian had contributed greatly to the strengthening of Indonesia-Iran bilateral relations. Indonesia-Iran has enjoyed a very fruitful and beneficial relationship, particularly since.