Ministry Of Foreign Affairs Relives Interfaith And Cultural Dialogue With The European Union

JAKARTA - Interfaith and cultural dialogue between Indonesia and the European Union is important in the midst of a situation of world instability, while strengthening relations between the two parties, according to Indonesian diplomats and the European Union.

Speaking at the opening of a series of dialogue activities, the Director of Public Diplomacy of the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ani Nigeriawati said, "Indonesia welcomes the activation of the Indonesia-EU Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue, a platform that reflects the spirit of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika and the values we share with the European Union."

"Through an open exchange between scholars, religious leaders, and civil society, we hope to strengthen cooperation in facing global challenges ranging from social justice and gender equality to environmental sustainability to celebrating diversity that unites us," explained Ani in a statement at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thursday (27/11).

The interfaith and intercultural dialogue between Indonesia and the European Union was last held in 2012.

This year, the dialogue was revived as a follow-up to the EU-Indonesia Human Rights Dialogue 2024, as well as the European Union's commitment to human rights, democracy and involvement that respects religious communities and beliefs around the world.

"This activity, which will be held from 27 November to 1 December in Jakarta and Yogyakarta, will be attended by representatives from the European Union delegation, as well as representatives of cross-religious and cultural organizations to students in the country," said Ani.

"We invite interfaith, inter-cultural, young generation, students, so that they get a wider perspective on what we have done with the European Union and what our efforts are to strengthen these relations," he explained.

Ani hopes this will be the beginning of the increase in cultural exchanges and people between Indonesia and the European Union, including the exchange of leaders of religious and cultural organizations.

"So that we can get to know one another," explained Ani.

"We believe that connection between communities is a strong foundation for friendship and gives a message to the world to always be peaceful," he said.