Indonesia-Al Azhar Seek to Promote Interfaith Dialogue for World Peace

Jakarta, (Antara) - Indonesia and Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt are seeking to enhance cooperation to conduct interfaith dialogue to promote harmony, tolerance and world's peace.

"Indonesia is committed to keep promoting constructive efforts to create world's harmony, peace stability and welfare," Indonesia Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi said during her visit to Cairo, as quoted in a press statement received here on Tuesday.

Minister Marsudi met the Grand Sheikh of Al Azhar, Ahmed Mohammad Ahmed Al Tayyeb in Al Azhar complex, Cairo, Egypt to discuss the importance of interfaith and inter-community dialogue to deliver the peaceful values of Islam.

The grand sheikh Al Tayyeb underlined that Islam has been facing great challenges these days.

Therefore, a strong will and cooperation are necessary to create a conducive condition for world peace and stability as well as inclusive development not only in the Islamic countries but also in the world.

Al Tayyeb also appreciated Indonesia's effort to promote peace and in Rakhine State, Myanmar and said that Al Azhar is willing to help Indonesia, Myanmar and other countries to improve the condition in the state.

Meanwhile, Minister Marsudi appreciated the support given by the Al-Azhar to around 3,500 Indonesian students studying in the university.

The minister also expected the university and local authority to improve security as well as to provide protection to the Indonesian students following several crimes experienced by the students in Cairo.

Grand Sheikh Al Tayyeb promised to put this matter into account and to have coordination with the local authority.(*)