The Indonesian Embassy in Beijing Strengthens CIA Relations with the Indonesian Islamic Community
DDHK News, China - The Indonesian Ambassador to China, Soegeng Rahardjo, had a meeting with the Chairman of the China Islamic Association (CIA), Imam Xilaluddin Chen Guangyuang, at the CIA office, Xicheng District, Beijing. The Indonesian Embassy in Beijing stated that it was ready to strengthen the CIA's relationship with the Muslim community in the country.
During the meeting, Soegeng expressed Indonesia's concern with developments in Muslim countries, such as Egypt, Syria, Iraq and Palestine. According to him, the condition of Muslims in various parts of the world increases the relevance of cooperation between Muslims in Indonesia and Muslims in China.
"Therefore, the Indonesian Embassy states that it is ready to become a facilitator for increased cooperation between the China Islamic Association (CIA) and its partners, both the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), universities, think tanks, and Islamic figures in Indonesia, "said Soegeng in an received release detikcom, Thursday (1/5/2014).
Imam Xilaluddin Chen Guangyuang agreed on the need to strengthen cooperation between Muslims in Indonesia and in China. According to him, the CIA has established good relations with MUI through various activities, including organizing a large exhibition in Indonesia in 2010.
"It is felt that efforts are needed to further strengthen these good relations, in accordance with the results of President Xi Jinping's state visit to Indonesia in 2013," he added.
The CIA also hopes to collaborate with its partners in Indonesia in projects of visiting Islamic figures between the two countries, exchanging students, and organizing exhibitions of halal products.
Apart from the areas of cooperation discussed at the meeting, Indonesia-China has great potential to develop tourism cooperation with religious nuances. For example, there are at least 27 mosques in Beijing, including mosques that are more than a thousand years old (Niujie Mosque). In Indonesia, Chinese tourists can visit historical places, such as the Zheng Ho Mosque in Semarang. (detik.com). *
