"We are happy and satisfied with the current bilateral relations with Indonesia, but at the same time we are considering the potential to explore and attract more investment," he said on Wednesday evening.

Karayev was speaking at a ceremony to celebrate Azerbaijani Republic Day, which falls on May 28.

The celebration marked the day when the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was established in 1918, following the dissolution of the Transcaucasian Democratic Federative Republic, which was created after the fall of the Russian empire.

Coordinating Economic Minister Sofyan Djalil welcomed the potential for closer bilateral relations.

"Indonesia greatly values its relations with Azerbaijan. We have a positive trend of bilateral relations, such as in trade. We also look forward to the visit of the president of Azerbaijan to Indonesia," said Sofyan.

The Azerbaijani and Indonesian governments are reportedly preparing two visits by each heads of state at the end of this year to boost economic partnerships.

Other Indonesian politicians were present at the celebration, including People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Speaker Zulkifli Hasan.

Others, such as former president Megawati Soekarnoputri and Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama, sent flower bouquets.

In February 2006, the Azerbaijani Embassy opened in Jakarta, becoming the country's first embassy in Southeast Asia. Indonesia reciprocated on Dec. 2, 2010, by opening an embassy in Baku.

Crude oil is a major commodity that Indonesia buys from Azerbaijan while Indonesia ships wooden products, refrigerators, table and kitchenware, paper and soap to the West Asian country.

 

(Jakarta Post)