Jakarta, Oct. 30 -- Indonesian Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar said his recent participation in an international interfaith forum in Assisi, Italy, had opened up opportunities for cooperation with several countries and institutions.

In a statement cited in Jakarta on Friday, he noted that representatives from the United Kingdom, Australia, and Pakistan, among others, had expressed interest in partnering with the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Istiqlal Mosque.

Also serving as the grand imam of Istiqlal Mosque, Umar said Indonesia used the forum to present its concept of religious diplomacy, which was well received, while also exploring opportunities for collaboration with higher education institutions in Italy and the Vatic...