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Vatican City and RI to increase relations
Indonesia and Vatican City have agreed to strengthen ties in the future including initiating interfaith dialogues, following a bilateral meeting between both countries' foreign ministers in Jakarta on Tuesday
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I
ndonesia and Vatican City have agreed to strengthen ties in the future including initiating interfaith dialogues, following a bilateral meeting between both countries' foreign ministers in Jakarta on Tuesday.
"Interfaith dialogue is a good way to increase relations between Indonesia and the Vatican," said Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi after a meeting with Vatican Foreign Minister Cardinal Pietro Parolin, as quoted by Antara news agency.
According to Retno, the two countries will also increase cooperation in social and cultural fields such as initiating an Indonesian cultural exhibition at the Vatican Museum, which will feature statues and carvings from the Borobudur Temple, and a collaboration in radio broadcasting.
"In 2016, the Easter celebration in Larantuka, Flores, will be broadcast by the Vatican Radio," said Retno.
In terms of the education sector, Retno said that there are around 1,500 Indonesian clerics and friars who study and work in the Vatican City and elsewhere Italy.
"We also aid cooperation between universities of both countries through student and lecturer exchanges where we send students and the Vatican sends us lecturers," said Retno.
On the same occasion, Parolin expressed his admiration of Indonesia's harmonious pluralism.
"Indonesia is a country that provides good examples in terms of interfaith harmony. There are many religions in the country, yet people respect each other and are willing to accept differences," said Parolin. (kes)(+++)
