His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, has received the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, to discuss enhancing cooperation and the crucial role of the Muslim nation’s wise scholars in addressing the challenges facing our world.

During the meeting, President Widodo expressed his appreciation for His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, and the UAE's efforts in promoting tolerance and peace worldwide.

President Widodo also recognized the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders, chaired by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, in promoting peace, tolerance, coexistence, and human fraternity. He also commended the Council’s role in fostering the role of religious leaders in facing global challenges, particularly the issue of climate change and its serious consequences. He lauded the significant level of cooperation between the Muslim Council of Elders and both the Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah organizations, which has positively influenced the promotion of coexistence and human fraternity in Indonesia and the wider Southeast Asia region.

For his part, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders expressed the Council’s and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb’s appreciation for Indonesia, its leadership and people, and its pioneering role in serving the causes of the Muslim world. He highlighted Indonesia’s civilizational model of Islam and its inspiring religious and cultural diversity in the Southeast Asian region. The Secretary-General indicated that the upcoming period would witness more joint initiatives and projects between the Southeast Asian branch of the Muslim Council of Elders and religious and state institutions in Indonesia and the region, aimed at building bridges of communication and advancing the values of dialogue and harmonious coexistence.

The secretary-general commended Indonesia’s significant efforts in addressing the climate change crisis and the Indonesian experience as a leading model in this area.

The meeting was attended by State Secretary Minister Pratikno, Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, Sheikh Yahya Cholil Staquf, President of the Nahdlatul Ulama association, Saifullah Yusuf, Secretary-General of Nahdlatul Ulama association, Dr. Haedar Nashir, General President of Muhammadiyah, Dr. Abdul Mu'ti, Secretary-General of Muhammadiyah, His Excellency Abdullah Salem Obeid Al Dhaheri, UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia, and His Eminence Sheikh Muhammad Quraish Shihab, former Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs and member of the Muslim Council of Elders.