"The current global challenges compel us to enhance cooperation between countries bilaterally and in international forums," Foreign Minister Retno L.P. Marsudi stated in a press release here on Monday.
The statement was made at a meeting with Egypts deputy foreign minister and the director general of the Egyptian Foreign Affairs Ministry on Sunday (Feb 5).
The meeting discussed the developments in the regional and global situation, such as Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
On the occasion, Minister Marsudi highlighted the importance role of both nations to continue contributing constructively to peace and stability in the region as well as globally.
In response to the issue, the Egyptian government has welcomed Indonesias efforts to continue to maintain peace and stability in Southeast Asia, including in Rakhine State, Myanmar.
During the meeting, the two sides also discussed several challenges faced by the Islamic world and various steps that could be taken by both nations to spread moderate Islam.
In addition, Indonesias foreign minister stressed the important role of the two countries to further empower the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
The OIC is expected to contribute more effectively in facing challenges and developments in the Islamic world.
"Good bilateral cooperation between Indonesia and Egypt should also encourage the development of the Islamic world and strengthen the OIC as an effective organization in supporting the advancement of the Islamic world," Marsudi remarked.
The Indonesian foreign minister specifically raised the issue of security protection for Indonesian students in Egypt.
With regard to the issue, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry has vowed to pay attention to it and will coordinate with the countrys Home Affairs Ministry.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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