Iran Explores Opportunities for Sister City Cooperation with Solo
Iran’s Ambassador to Indonesia, H.E. Mr. Mohammad Boroujerdi, has revealed plans for his country to explore cooperation in various sectors with the city of Solo in Central Java. Boroujerdi conveyed this following a meeting with Solo’s Mayor, Respati Ardi, at Solo City Hall in Central Java on Wednesday, 1 April 2026.
Boroujerdi expressed appreciation for his meeting with Solo’s Mayor today. He noted that the discussions covered various issues, from solidarity to opportunities for economic and trade cooperation between the two parties. According to him, cooperation between Iran and Solo would be mutually beneficial for both sides.
“Bapak Wali Kota Solo conveyed a message of solidarity from the people of Solo towards Iran, as well as condemnation of the attacks that have befallen Iran. This support is very meaningful to us who are facing a war imposed by the Zionist Israeli regime and the United States,” said Boroujerdi, accompanied by his translator Ali, after the meeting at Solo City Hall.
Boroujerdi also revealed that the talks with Solo City Government included possibilities for cooperation in the economic and trade sectors. He stated that both parties are exploring opportunities to build more concrete partnerships, including the potential signing of follow-up agreements.
“Of course, Solo is a city full of history, an important city in terms of historical background, cultural civilisation, and the economy that operates in this city,” he remarked.
He added that one of the options discussed was the establishment of a Sister City or twin city cooperation between Surakarta or Solo and one city in Iran with similar characteristics. He will form a team to study this matter.
“We will form a team from the Iranian Embassy that will conduct a study to determine a city with similarities in terms of history, culture, and economy before submitting it to the Mayor,” he said.
Boroujerdi also mentioned that the process is expected to be realised soon in the near future. After the exploration is complete, his side will propose a suitable city.
“Insya Allah, after this exploration process is finished, we will propose a suitable city,” he said.
Respati Ardi welcomed the cooperation plan and assured that he would promptly process the necessary stages for its realisation.
“Of course, the most important economic potential is the impact. In the future, we will measure the impact and benefits because there is an economic mission that brings goodness, which we will certainly carry out,” said Respati.
He also expressed concern over the situation in Iran. He hopes that the ongoing conflict in Iran can be resolved soon. If conditions become conducive, he stated that Solo City Government, along with several organisations such as the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), Gekrafs, the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI), and the Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association (HIPMI), will promptly promote the discussed cooperation.
“He is committed to carrying out tourism and economic missions in Indonesia, especially in Surakarta, after it is over (the conflict),” he said.
On the other hand, Respati conveyed that his side is also ready to provide support for those affected. This solidarity is also in line with the constitutional mandate to firmly reject all forms of colonialism.
“We pray insyaallah this ends quickly. We pray for a message of friendship and peace to be resolved soon and bring good impacts for both sides, especially the city of Surakarta. And of course, humanitarian issues and forms of humanitarian solidarity, we Indonesians are ready to help,” he stated.