We would like to assert that Indonesia, as a Muslim-majority country, does not support any form of violence."
London (ANTARA News) - At a meeting with Senior Deputy Lord Speaker, the House of Lords, Lord McFall of Alcluith, Indonesian Assembly Vice-Chairman Hidayat Nur Wahid highlighted the importance of improving parliamentary relations to strengthen bilateral ties.

The statement from the Indonesian Embassy in London was received by ANTARA News here, Tuesday.

Wahids visit to the UK Parliament coincided with the historic moment when the Great Britain officially declared to exit from the European Union (EU).

Wahid expressed hope that the Great Britain would be able to go through the Brexit, or British Exit, process with ease that will not only provide benefits to the UK but also to the EU and other countries outside the region, including Indonesia, particularly in the field of trade.

The Indonesian delegation also met several parliamentarians who are members of the Indonesian caucus in the UK Parliament, or the so-called All-Party Parliamentary Group on Indonesia (APPGI): Richard Graham, John Spellar, and Barroness Uddin.

Wahid condoled over the incident that occurred at the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Palace, weeks ago.

"We would like to assert that Indonesia, as a Muslim-majority country, does not support any form of violence. It is obvious that Islam has been disadvantaged due to the crime," Wahid noted.

In addition to highlighting religious tolerance, the meeting with APPGI also discussed cooperation between the parliaments through the Inter-Parliamentary Union Forums.

On the occasion, vice chairman of the Indonesian assembly also extended an invitation to the British parliament members to visit Indonesia.

Ending his visit in England, Wahid and his entourage met Director General of the Islamic Cultural Center of England (ICC UK) Ahmad Al-Dubayyan to discuss teaching programs and dissemination of information on Islam in the Great Britain to ward off Islamophobia in the country.

Wahid also welcomed the efforts of the ICC UK for implementing its programs to teach the Quran in several languages of English, German, French, and Polish.

Looking ahead, it is expected that Indonesian will also be used as a medium of learning the Quran at the ICC UK for Indonesians.
(Uu.KR-LWA/INE/KR-BSR/F001)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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