Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, met today (Thursday) with Her Excellency Retno Marsudi, Foreign Minister of Indonesia. The two sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation.

During the meeting, the Indonesian Foreign Minister commended the Muslim Council of Elders, chaired by His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmed Al-Tayeb, for its dedication to promoting peace and human coexistence. She acknowledged the significance of the Council’s Southeast Asian branch, inaugurated in October, as a pivotal channel for fostering constructive communication with the Republic of Indonesia and the wider region to enhance dialogue, pluralism, and peace.

Her Excellency Marsudi appreciated the efforts of the United Arab Emirates in nurturing values of tolerance and peace, underscoring the essential role of the Muslim Council of Elders in cultivating human fraternity amongst diverse communities. She emphasized the relevance of the Document on Human Fraternity, co-signed in Abu Dhabi in 2019 by His Eminence Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and His Holiness Pope Francis, Head of the Catholic Church, particularly considering the current global challenges.

For his part, the Secretary-General lauded Indonesia’s exemplary approach to diversity and harmonious coexistence. He affirmed that the Southeast Asian branch of the Muslim Council of Elders intends to work closely with religious and governmental institutions in Indonesia and the region. The branch's objective is to amplify the influence of religions in confronting global challenges and in promoting dialogue, respect, acceptance, and peaceful coexistence. He extended his gratitude to the Indonesian government for supporting the Council’s efforts and its advocacy for the causes of the Muslim world.

The meeting was attended by His Excellency Abdullah Salem Obeid Al Dhaheri, UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia; His Eminence Sheikh Muhammad Quraish Shihab, member of the Muslim Council of Elders; and Mr. Talal Al Mazrouei, Executive Director of the Muslim Council of Elders.