Grand Imam of Al Azhar University in Cairo, Muhammad Ahmad Al Thayyib, says he will deliver a public speech at the State Islamic University (UIN) Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta on Tuesday, calling for the global Muslim community to step up the fight against terrorism.

During the speech, Ahmad said, he would ask for all Muslims in the world, both in western and eastern countries, to unite and put aside their differences, as friction in the Muslim community was mainly caused by differences in principles.

"Terrorism is not a part of Islam," Ahmad told The Jakarta Post during an interview on Monday.

Terrorist who wore Muslim attire did not reflect the true Islamic values, since their violent behavior was not in line with Islam as a religion which was a rahmatan lil alamin [blessing for the universe], Ahmad said.

As the nation with the largest Muslim population in the world, Ahmad added, Indonesia was a strategic partner in the spreading of Islamic values, and the bilateral relations between both countries could be traced back to the first Asia-Africa Conference in 1955.

Ahmad's public speech, which will also cover recent issues relating to global terrorism, is part of his wider agenda to bolster relationships with the local Muslim communities in Indonesia.

Earlier on Monday, Ahmad along with his delegation visited the State Palace and met with President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, who said that the Grand Imam's visit was an important opportunity to spread Islamic understanding.

After 15 years since his last visit to Indonesia, Ahmad says he wishes to tie up relationships with local Muslim communities. (dan)(+)

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