"This meeting is a comparative study on achievements and issues in Aceh as a special and autonomous region in Indonesia (conducted) by representatives of the Muslim Mindanao autonomous region," Wali Nanggroe's Public Relations and Cooperation Division Head M Nasir Syamaun stated in Aceh Besar on Saturday (July 8).
The delegation, which originated from the Bangsamoro Transition Authority Committee on Social Service and Development, consisted of 31 members from the regional parliament and local organizations.
The Wali Nanggroe, Malik Mahmud, and his special staff, Kamaruddin Abu Bakar, M Rafiq, and tuha peut (village customary assembly) member Sulaiman Abda, personally welcomed the Bangsamoro delegates at the Wali Nanggroe office.
The Wali Nanggroe pointed out that relations between Aceh and Bangsamoro were established in 1986 during their encounter in Libya.
"Today, Bangsamoro is at peace with the Philippine authority; they have established their own parliament," Mahmud stated.
He felt honored to receive the delegation from Bangsamoro, which shared various similarities with Aceh, including the history of decades-long conflict with the central authority that ended in peace.
"What happened in Aceh—peace, progress, and issues—is a valuable lesson to them. Likewise, Aceh also learns from their achievements," he said.
Mahmud affirmed that Aceh would commence cooperation with Bangsamoro in various aspects, such as student exchange.
"We will maintain and ensure the relations between Aceh and Bangsamoro will be stronger in the future," Wali Nanggroe remarked.
Meanwhile, Bangsamoro delegation chief Aida Macalimpas Silongan said that Bangsamoro and Aceh shared many similarities, including in their natural wealth and struggle for autonomy.
Silongan also expressed gratitude for Wali Nanggroe's explanation of achievements and issues in Aceh's autonomy system to the delegation.
"We hope to soon realize our development will be on par with Aceh, God Willing," she said.
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Translator: Rahmat Fajri, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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