Malang Islamic University Supports Sustainable Cooperation with Russia

Jakarta (Antara) - Malang Islamic University (UIN Malang) supported sustainable cooperation with Russia on education, knowledge development and culture sectors that could enhance bilateral relations between Indonesia and Russia. "Malang Islamic University ready to achieve cooperation opportunities with Russia in culture, education and knowledge development sectors," Rector of Malang Islamic University Imam Suprayogo said in a statement received here Sunday. Suprayogo who gave speech in the Seminar of "Indonesia, Russia Bilateral Relationship" said UIN Malang has developed cooperation with three Islamic Universities in Russia since three years ago. According to him one of the cooperation is implemented through several Russian students who take study at Malang. "I have been to Russia several years ago and saw the Muslim people developed well. That is why we should boost cooperation with Russia," said Suprayogo. Meanwhile Director of Middle and East Europe of Foreign Ministry A.A.G. Alit Santhika said the cooperation opportunities with Russia is also exist in other sectors such as economic, politic, investment, education as well as science and technology. "Trade volume of Indonesia and Russia on 2012 ranked to be the highest amount compared to other Middle or East Europe nations which noted at USD3.37 billion or increased from 2011 that reached USD 2.55 billion," said Santhika. He said that Indonesia and Russia targeted to reach trade volume at USD 5 billion. Russian Ambassador for Indonesia Mikhail Galuzin said that Indonesia and Russia has strategic cooperation not only in ASEAN region but also in Asia Pacific area. "Russia and Indonesia have similar views in international issues and both countries also have multi ethnic, culture and religions," Galuzin said. He also appreciated that several Russian students take study in Malang so that it could boost relationship among the two countries. "I hope that there will be Malangnese students who continue their study at Russia in the near future, such as in Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU) of Vladivostok," said Galuzin. (*)