The Grand Imam of Al Azhar University in Cairo, Muhammad Ahmad Al Thayyib, is visiting Indonesia to bolster relationships with local Muslim communities.

President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo greeted the Grand Imam along with his delegation at the State Palace, saying the visit was an important opportunity to spread Islamic understanding.

"Al-Azhar contributes to the education and provision of knowledge to Indonesian students, and we appreciate the moderation of Al-Azhar University, just like Indonesia, which has [a tradition of] tolerance and moderation," Deputy Foreign Minister AM Fachir said after the meeting.

Currently, about 3,500 Indonesian students study in Al-Azhar. The campus produced several talented alumni who contributed to the struggle for the independence of Indonesia.

Jokowi said Indonesia had provided endowments to Al-Azhar with four dormitories that could be used by students from Indonesia, Egypt or other countries.

Earlier Alumni Association of Al Azhar Indonesia (IAAI) head Muchlis M Hanafi said the visit was very important in order to strengthen the relationship between the two countries, especially in the fields of education, culture and religion.

"Egypt was the first country to recognize the independence of Indonesia," said Muchlis in a statement on Monday.

According to Muchlis, in the constitution of Egypt, Al-Azhar is an Islamic institution which is independent and has the authority to carry out all the activities of Islam.

Al-Azhar, he continued, was the main reference for religious sciences and Islamic affairs and was responsible for carrying out proselytizing activities. (dan)(+)

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