Indonesian President Acknowledges UAE's Efforts in Promoting Humanitarian Values and Climate Change Initiatives
Indonesian President Joko Widodo commended the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and its wise leadership for their dedication to fostering values of coexistence and humanitarian brotherhood. He praised the historic Human Fraternity Document signed by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church, in Abu Dhabi in 2019.
Moreover, President Widodo expressed his country's support for the upcoming United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP 28), which the UAE is set to host in November and December.
These remarks were made during a meeting at the Independence Palace when President Widodo received a delegation from the Muslim Council of Elders. He congratulated the council on officially opening its branch in Indonesia and applauded their organization of the "Religions and Climate Change" conference for Southeast Asian nations.
President Widodo conveyed his delight at the prospect of the Muslim Council of Elders working alongside Indonesia's academic and religious institutions to promote and strengthen human brotherhood and harmony both regionally and globally.
The Indonesian President also praised the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders, led by Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, in advancing peace and human coexistence. He emphasized the council's crucial initiative in bringing religious leaders and representatives together to address climate change. President Widodo expressed his strong belief in the importance of interfaith dialogue in combating climate change, including the pivotal role of the Religious Track within COP28.
In response, Dr. Mohamed Abdel-Salam, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, and the council's delegation expressed their appreciation for Indonesia's leadership and people. They thanked President Widodo for hosting the regional branch of the Muslim Council of Elders, which serves as an effective channel for communication with Southeast Asian countries.
The delegation also commended Indonesia for hosting the "Religions and Climate Change" conference and acknowledged the nation's pioneering efforts in confronting the climate change issue. They recognized the significant contributions Indonesia has made in this field.
The Muslim Council of Elders delegation included Dr. Mohamed Karish Shahab, former Minister of Religious Affairs in Indonesia, Dr. Ahmed Al-Haddad, Grand Mufti and Head of the Fatwa Department in Dubai, Dr. Mohamed Zain Al-Majd, a member of the Executive Office of the Muslim Council of Elders, and Dr. Mukhlis Hanafi, Director of the Muslim Council of Elders branch in Indonesia.