Palembang, S.Sumatra (ANTARA News) - The 7th conference of the Parliamentary Union of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (PUIC) in Palembang, South Sumatra province has its own significant history for Indonesia, the President of PUIC Marzuki Ali said here Tuesday.

According to the chairman of the Indonesian parliament, it is for the first time that Indonesia has been elected as President of PUIC and it is first time the conference was held in the Southeast Asia region.

Palembang was chosen as the host for its history of Islam which is similar to that between the King of Srivijaya Buddhist and Umar bin Abdul Aziz, one of the Umayyah caliphates.

In addition to introduce Indonesia besides Jakarta and Bali to Muslims in the world.

"We hope from Palembang, Indonesia and through the 7th Conference of PUIC we are able to make history for PUIC stronger, more effective and beneficial for Muslims in particular and the world community in general," Marzuki Ali said.

He said the international agenda of PUIC should be utilized to improve the performance of the parliament of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member countries in order to fight for common interests especially to achieve progress, prosperity and peace.

Through the forum it is also expected to increase the institutional building for the strong legislature so that it can be more effective in carrying out the people`s mandate.

Marzuki Ali said PUIC as the parliament partners of OIC does not move only for strengthening the cooperation in the various fields but also seeking to introduce, implement and spread the Islamic teachings with emphasizing on humanism of Islamic civilization.

Islam was the first and biggest victim of terrorism including those carried out by countries like Israel to the Palestinians, Marzuki Ali said, stressing that PUIC was established for coordination among the nations in the world in order to respect and defend human rights, peace and justice.(*)

Editor: Aditia Maruli Radja
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