Wellington, New Zealand (ANTARA) - Indonesian Vice President Ma'ruf Amin, on Tuesday, emphasized the need for Indonesia and New Zealand to exchange experiences in an effort to further strengthen their cooperation in the social and cultural fields.

"I deem it important to take steps to bolster our socio-cultural cooperation, including by promoting people-to-people contact, in a bid to encourage both nations to take notes from one another in maintaining tolerance in the midst of a pluralistic society," he remarked.

Amin made the statement during his visit to the New Zealand Parliament Building, Wellington, in a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister of New Zealand Christopher Luxon.

The vice president expressed his intent to share Indonesia's methods in promoting interfaith dialogue and religious moderation to contribute to world peace.

"Tomorrow, at the University of Victoria, I will share Indonesia's experiences in utilizing interfaith dialogue and religious moderation to contribute to the efforts to actualize peace in the world," he stated.

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The vice president then stressed on the importance of Indonesia and New Zealand identifying ways to further intensify their cooperation in other sectors.

"I am delighted to learn that the two countries have been successful in implementing their comprehensive partnership. It is necessary to continue to solidify the partnership through cooperation in the sectors of trade, investment, and tourism," he pointed out.

He then welcomed various suggestions for strengthening cooperation between Indonesia and New Zealand, including in the halal industry.

In that context, VP Amin said he would explore the potential for cooperation with halal business players in New Zealand.

"During my visits to Wellington and Auckland, I will also hold meetings with local business players who produce halal products," he revealed.

Indonesian Ambassador to New Zealand Fientje Maritje S. and Foreign Policy Advisor of New Zealand Mark Talbot, among others, were also present during the bilateral meeting.

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Translator: Andi F, Tegar Nurfitra Putra Rofian
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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