Initiated in 2010, the mosque has been operating since the end of 2016."
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) discussed efforts to increase bilateral cooperation with visiting Afghan President Ashraf Ghani here on Wednesday.

The discussion took place when Presiden Jokowi received President Ghani, who is on a state visit, at the State Palace.

This is the first state visit undertaken by President Ghani to Indonesia, which is also the first Southeast Asian country to be visited by the Afghan president, according to a press statement from the foreign ministry.

President Ghani is scheduled to be in Indonesia on April 5-6. Afghanistan is Indonesias partner in realizing peace and security through propagation of moderate Islamic values.

The focus of the Afghan presidents visit is to intensify bilateral cooperation between the two countries, especially in the areas of peace and capacity building, trade, and investment.

The Indonesian government has committed to supporting development, reconciliation, and peace in Afghanistan.

Several memoranda of understanding are expected to be signed during the Afghan presidents visit to Indonesia, including in the fields of education, agriculture, statistics, administrative reform, and fiscal policies.

Afghanistan is one of the first countries to have recognized Indonesias sovereignty while the two nations had played an active role in ensuring the success of the Asia-Africa Conference in 1955.

Indonesia has contributed in the reconciliation process and development in Afghanistan by organizing a training program to increase capacity in the framework of the South-South cooperation, among others.

The Indonesian government has conducted 47 capacity building programs that were attended by 358 participants from Afghanistan.

On the second day of his state visit, President Ahmadzai also plans to hold a discussion with Indonesian ulemas from Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah at the Istiqlal Mosque.

On the second day of his state visit, President Ahmadzai also plans to hold a discussion with Indonesian ulemas from Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah at the Istiqlal Mosque.

Indonesia has been supporting Afghanistan through 47 programs to strengthen institutions and build the capacity of its human resources.

The Indonesian Foreign Ministry and Nahdlatul Ulama have also cooperated to build an Indonesian Islamic Center in Kabul, which includes a mosque, medical clinic, library, and gathering place.

"Initiated in 2010, the mosque has been operating since the end of 2016. Currently, we are planning to continue the phase two of construction for building a medical clinic that will focus on the health of mothers and children," Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director for South and Central Asian Affairs Ferdy Piay added.

(Reported Yuni Arisandy/Uu.H-YH/INE/KR-BSR/B003)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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