Palembang, S Sumatra (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Monday night attended a banquet in honor of delegates to the 7th conference of the Parliamentary Union of Organization of Islamic Conference (PUIC) here.

The President in the company of First Lady Ani Yudhoyono also witnessed the launch of Grand Al Quran made of carved wood typical to South Sumatra.

The Grand Al Quran was made in Palembang from 2002 to 2008.

In addition to delegates from 37 countries, the banquet was also attended by House of Representatives (DPR) Chairman Marzuki Ali who was also the leader of the conference for the 2012-2013 period.

In his address, Marzuki expressed gratitude to the delegates from various Islamic countries for their participation in the conference.

"In all sessions of the conference held from January 24-31, 2012, all delegations have taken an active part in various discussions aimed at enhancing cooperation," he said.

He said the election of Palembang as the venue of the conference stemmed from the Indonesian government`s wish to develop a number of large cities in Indonesia.

"President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has named Palembang as a water tourism destination," he said. (*)

Editor: Kunto Wibisono
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