TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi was received a visit by Vatican's Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin to discuss several points of cooperation between Indonesia and Vatican, with one of them related to interfaith dialogue.
"We have many reasons to strengthen bilateral relations between both countries starting from interfaith dialogue," said Retno on Tuesday, August 11, 2015.
Retno said that Vatican is the symbol of Catholicism, while Indonesia has large Muslim population. Interfaith cooperation will set a good example about how differences do not have to be the root of disunity. "Differences should be responded with friendship," said Retno.
Retno continued that Vatican also appreciated Indonesia's ability to create religious tolerance and harmony.
Both countries have agreed on cooperation in the education and culture sector. Currently, there are 1,500 Indonesian clerics and nuns who work in Vatican. Student exchange program between both countries is also still ongoing.
In 2016, Indonesia and Vatican will initiate a media cooperation by making a radio broadcast for Easter celebration in Flores.
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