OIC Hopes RI Plays Greater Role In Changing Islam's Image

Jeddah (Antara Bali) - The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has expressed hope that Indonesia continues to play a larger role, especially in spreading the knowledge that Islam is religion that is opposed to violence.

"It is our common responsibility to jointly promote that view," OIC Secretary General, Iyad Madani said after being received by President Joko Widodo at the King Faisal Palace on Saturday afternoon.

He said his meeting with President Widodo was also related to the roles of Muslims and majority Muslim countries in promoting the correct knowledge of Islam.

"They joined the OIC because they share the same religion, which is Islam and so the right knowledge of Islam can be conveyed to them," he stated.

Indonesia's Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said the OIC had hailed Indonesia's proposal for the formation of a contact group to strengthen the solidarity of Islamic countries in facing various challenges.

"At the beginning of the meeting, the OIC Secretary General expressed appreciation for Indonesia and its active role in the OIC and its democracy, which has shown that democracy and Islam can co-exist," she stated.

Minister Marsudi said Indonesia's proposal had been received well by the contact group.

In a meeting with President Joko Widodo, the OIC Secretary General, also submitted invitations to the President for three OIC conferences that will be held during the next few months and in early 2016.

President Widodo was accompanied by Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Darmin Nasution, Trade Minister Thomas Lembong, Minister Marsudi, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, Minister of Energy Sudirman Said and Special Presidential Envoy for the Middle East, Alwi Shihab.

After receiving OIC Secretary General, President Joko Widodo proceeded to the Al-Salam Diwan Palace to meet with King Salman bin Abdulazis and receive the King Abdulaziz Medal of honor from the Saudi Arabia government. (WDY)