The cooperation strengthening was carried out by Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs, Romo Muhammad Syafi'i, during a meeting with the Grand Mufti of Croatia and chairperson of the Croatian Muslim Masyikhak, Dr. Aziz ef. Hasanovic, at the Ministry of Religious Affairs' office in Central Jakarta on Monday.
"We welcome the visit of the Grand Mufti of Croatia to Indonesia. This is a momentum to establish cooperation, especially in the fields of religious affairs, education, Islamic culture, and promoting peaceful and tolerant religious life," Syafi'i said.
He added that the meeting was in line with President Prabowo Subianto's message to bolster cooperation with other countries at the regional and global levels.
During the meeting, he outlined several areas within the scope of the Ministry of Religious Affairs that have the potential to be synergized with Croatia.
Meanwhile, the Grand Mufti of Croatia, Dr. Aziz ef. Hasanovic, said that the main purpose of his visit to Indonesia was to strengthen the relationship between Indonesia and Croatia and forge cooperation in various religious fields.
"Among the areas of cooperation is in the field of science. Croatia actively organizes various conferences and seminars, as well as discussions on religious knowledge," he informed.
He pointed out that in Croatia, Muslims make up just 1.5 percent of the population. However, their rights and obligations are fully met.
He said that on April 25–26, 2025, his party will invite Indonesia to collaborate on a symposium about zakat (obligatory almsgiving) and its impact on society.
In the fields of religion and culture, Croatia is very active in organizing the Quran Recitation Competition, the Mufti informed. He then requested Indonesia to send its delegation for the competition.
Meanwhile, director of Islamic religious information at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Ahmad Zayadi, said that the meeting had agreed on cooperation through several programs, including religious services, education, and religious seminars.
He expressed the hope that the meeting will mark the beginning of a closer relationship between the two countries in the religious sector.
"This step aligns with the Ministry of Religious Affairs' commitment to promoting moderate Islam at the global level and supporting world peace," he said.
Related news: Croatia opens honorary consulate in South Sulawesi's Makassar
Related news: Hope Croatia will open door to CPO exports to EU: DPR
Translator: Kuntum Khaira Riswan
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2024
