Afghanistan

Indonesia, Iran agree to support education rights for women in Afghanistan

Indonesia and Iran have agreed to voice support for the right to education for women in Afghanistan and are committed to helping resolve the humanitarian crisis in the country.

During Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s visit to the Presidential Palace in Bogor, West Java, on Tuesday, Indonesia’s President Jokowi Widodo  also highlighted the shared commitment of the two countries to support the struggle of the Palestinian people.

“We agree to continue supporting the struggle of the Palestinian people and address the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan by continuing to voice support for education access for women in Afghanistan and provide humanitarian assistance,” Jokowi stated.

In addition to discussing bilateral cooperation, the two leaders also discussed the global geopolitical situation.

Raisi stated that his side has a similar vision to that of Indonesia to support Afghanistan in realizing an inclusive government that represents the country’s faiths and ethnic groups.

The Iranian President agreed that women should be able to access education at all levels.

“Afghan women and girls could elevate the honor of the country because they are an honor for Islam,” Raisi said.

He added that Indonesia is Iran’s partner and friend in addressing regional and international issues.

Indonesia and Iran are also members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Non-Aligned Movement.

Raisi’s visit to Indonesia, at Jokowi’s official invitation, is his first since being inaugurated as president in 2021. He will be in Indonesia until Wednesday.

The remarks come as women are banned from working in non-governmental organizations in Afghanistan and secondary schools are closed for girls for the past two years.