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In March 2006, PM Blair and President Yudhoyono issued a joint statement in which they "agreed to establish an Indonesian-UK Islamic Advisory Group, which will bring together Islamic representatives from both countries to advise on countering radicalism and promoting mutual understanding and tolerance between Islam and the West.
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President Yudhoyono and PM Blair wrote to fourteen high-profile Muslim leaders in their respective countries on 5th October 2006 inviting them to form the Indonesian-UK Islamic Advisory Group.
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They were chosen for their efforts both to counter religious extremism and break down false stereotypes that have on occasion impacted negatively on relations and understanding between Islam and the West.
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Dr Musharraf Hussain in the UK and Prof Azyumardi Azra in Indonesia will chair the IAG.
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The main objective of the Group is produce and deliver joint practical recommendations to the UK and Indonesian governments on how best to counter religious extremism and to promote better understanding between Islam and the West.
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The Group has conducted two video tele-conferences (VTCs) in December 2006. The aim of the VTCs is to develop, through collaboration with the Indonesian delegates, the IAG’s initial findings to be presented to the two governments.
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The Group is scheduled to meet on the 29 – 31 of January 2007 in London.
