REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, LONDON -- Indonesia is committed to encouraging cooperation with the European Union (EU) in economy, trade, counterterrorism, and the prevention of radicalism, noted a press release from the Indonesian Embassy in Belgium received by Antara here, Tuesday.

The commitment was conveyed by Indonesian Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium, Luxembourg, the EU and International Organizations Yuri O. Thamrin while handing over the credentials to President of the European Council Donald Tusk.

The ambassador stated that Indonesia was a good role model since it had upheld religious tolerance despite having a diverse population.

The ambassador is committed to promoting cooperation with the EU in the field of combating terrorism and preventing the spread of radicalism, in addition to constantly increasing opportunities for establishing economic and trade cooperation.

Tusk has welcomed the opportunities to cooperate with Indonesia in combating terrorism and preventing radicalism.

The spread of radicalism in the community posed a major challenge for the EU, according to Tusk.

The European Union views Indonesia as a nation that has recorded success in countering terrorism and managing issues related to radicalism.

Ambassador Yuri and Tusk believe that the radicalism issue is not about religion. Radicalism refers more to the narrow political views of a group.

Therefore, the two leaders agreed that the promotion of tolerance and moderation in addressing the challenges of global radicalism should be intensified.

Tusk underlined that the Indonesian president's visit to the office of the EU in the near future would be a significant moment.

Besides having a strong economy, Indonesia also plays an active role in international politics.

"Thus, for the EU, the relations with Indonesia are expected to intensify further," Tusk added.

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