Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Vice President Ma’ruf Amin announced that the governments of Indonesia and Egypt will enhance cooperation to support humanity and development in Palestine.

Amin made the statement during a meeting with the Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar University of Cairo, Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed Al-Tayeb, at the Vice President's Palace, Jakarta, on Wednesday.

During the meeting, Amin emphasized the crisis in Gaza and stressed the need for unwavering support from both Indonesia and Egypt for Palestine.

"I believe Indonesia and Egypt will continue to be solid in supporting Palestine. Indonesia pays great attention to the crisis situation in Gaza," he remarked.

Amin also emphasized Indonesia’s ongoing commitment to collaborate with Egypt in providing humanitarian aid.

He pointed out the potential for cooperation in managing waqf (endowment) and sadaqah (charity) with Al Azhar University, which can have a lasting impact.

"I hope that the Zakat and Charity House of Al Azhar can cooperate with the National Alms Agency (Baznas) and the Indonesian Waqf Agency regarding this matter," he remarked.

On that occasion, Al-Tayeb conveyed greetings from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and expressed gratitude for the warm welcome from Indonesia.

He noted that the president commends Indonesia's key role in helping the people of Gaza.

He expressed hope that Indonesia would continue to support efforts for a ceasefire in Gaza, support the return of displaced residents, and increase humanitarian assistance.

As a demonstration of Indonesia’s support for Palestine and solidarity with Egypt in assisting Palestinian refugees, the Indonesian government dispatched emergency medical aid worth US$1 million to Palestinian refugees in Egypt on April 4.

The assistance was a response from the Indonesian government to the request for assistance from the Egyptian Ministry of Health conveyed in January 2024. The delivery of assistance was earlier postponed due to Israel's attacks in Rafah between February and March 2024.

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