REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno L. P. Marsudi and Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin held a discussion on bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
"Indonesia and Vatican City agreed to strengthen bilateral relations by holding interfaith dialogs," Marsudi said here on Tuesday.
These dialogs will be part of efforts to improve bilateral relations between Indonesia and Vatican City.
In addition, the Indonesian minister mentioned that the two countries will improve socio-cultural cooperation, by organizing Indonesian cultural exhibitions in Vatican City, for instance.
"Indonesia appreciated the exhibition of Indonesian culture held in Vatican City. This event will improve understanding between the two countries," she affirmed.
Furthermore, she pointed out that Indonesia and Vatican City will cooperate in the field of broadcasting, i. e. they will establish cooperation between Radio of the Republic of Indonesia and Vatican Radio.
"In 2016, Easter celebrations in Larantuka, Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, will be covered and broadcast by Vatican Radio," Marsudi stated.
Moreover, with regard to cooperation in the education sector, the Indonesian minister noted that some 1,500 priests will study and work in Vatican City.
"The University of Indonesia and Vatican University established cooperation, which includes a student exchange program," she added.
Education can tighten bilateral cooperation between Indonesian and Vatican City, Marsudi remarked.
In addition, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin expressed his admiration of the pluralism in the life of Indonesia.
"Indonesia can be a good example of interfaith harmony. People follow various religions in Indonesia, respect each other and accept differences," Parolin observed.
On the occasion, he congratulated Indonesians for celebrating the 70th anniversary of independence of the Republic of Indonesia.
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