?Indonesian vice president Boediono met Chinese religion delegation led by Wang Zuoan, director of China's State Bureau of Religious Affairs, in Jakarta on Thursday.
The two sides exchanged their views on improving religious communication and cooperation between China and Indonesia, which was expected to deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries.
Wang said that both China and Indonesia were developing countries that share comprehensive interests and wide cooperation space.
He said that China had more than 20 million muslims, while Indonesia had world's largest muslim population. The two countries were witnessing more closer relationship between their religious groups, as well as deeper understanding and friendship between their people.
Wang added that the delegation came to Jakarta for the China- Indonesia Islamic Cultural Expo and Art Show, which was part of the celebration to 60th anniversary of diplomatic relation between China and Indonesia. He expected that the activities would further improve friendship and understanding between people and religion groups, especially muslims, in both countries.
Boediono welcomed the Chinese religious delegation and the show and expo activities. He agreed that the activities would improve understanding between people, especially muslims, in both countries.
According to him, China and Indonesia have had tight relations in terms of economy and politics, but they still need to enhance cultural and humanity communication. Thus, he expected that the activities could continue in the future under a yearly mechanism, and finally become a communication, reference and sharing platform for muslim in both countries.
Also on Thursday, the Chinese religious delegation met Abdul Kardir Karding, chairman of the Commission VIII under Indonesian People's Representative Council. The commission was the certain one under Indonesian parliament concentrating on religious affairs. They also met Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs Suryadarma Ali. Besides, they met many Islamic organizations in Jakarta, including the hosts of China-Indonesia Islamic Cultural Expo and Art Show, Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama.
Both sides agreed that it was important to promote religious communication between China and Indonesia, which brought positive effects to improving traditional friendship between Chinese people and Indonesian people, extending contents of strategic partnership between the two counties, and deepening China and Indonesia's cooperation.
Chinese religious delegation arrived in Jakarta on Wednesday for a five-day visit. They will attend the China-Indonesia Islamic Cultural Expo and Art Show.