VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

VOINews, Jakarta - Youth and Sports Minister Dito Ariotedjo has said that the 2023 Organisation of Islamic Cooperation-Cultural Activity (OIC-CA) is expected to become a means of youth diplomacy and sports diplomacy.

Indonesia is hosting the OIC-CA in Jakarta and East Kalimantan from July 7 to 14, 2023.

At a press conference held at the Youth and Sports Ministry's media center here on Friday, Ariotedjo said that Indonesia is aiming to strengthen solidarity among the member countries of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

"Going forward, we want to strengthen collaboration between Islamic countries in the education sector, entrepreneurship, and also youth development, as well as cooperation in the field of sports," he added.

The minister said that being a host is a great honor and a chance to raise Indonesia's position on the global stage. Indonesia's diverse cultures, mutual respect among its people, and firm unity can be promoted among all participating countries.

"This is an excellent opportunity because Indonesia is one of the countries that have the biggest Muslim population in the world," he added.

On the same occasion, OIC's assistant secretary-general for humanitarian, social, and cultural affairs, Ambassador Tarig Bakheet, lauded Indonesia's continued involvement in supporting OIC activities, including the establishment of the Department of Youth.

He said that Indonesia, as the host, has special significance given that it has the largest Muslim population in the world.

Indonesia could set an example because, despite it being home to diverse cultures, ethnicities, and races, its people can coexist peacefully, he added.

The 2023 OIC-CA features several activities in the form of visits and meetings, which began on Friday in Jakarta and will next be concentrated in East Kalimantan until July 14.  (Antaranews)