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Published on July 26, 2007

Speaking to a group of reporters after a meeting with Professor Din Syamsuddin, the chairman of the Muhammadiyah, Sawanit described Thai-Indonesian diplomatic ties as "excellent" but wanted to see stronger ties between civic organisations.

"Muhammadiyah is a good conduit. It promotes inter-faith dialogue and a moderate form of Islam," Sawanit said.

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said co-operation between Thai and Indonesian Muslim organisations was not only "appropriate" but also "necessary".

He said co-operation with Muhammadiyah would include exchange of visits Islamic leaders, as well as Thai students wishing to study in Indonesia.

With a membership of more than 35 million, it was the second largest Muslim organisation in Indonesia after Nahdlatul Ulama.

Sawanit said with its network of private schools, it could help strengthen Islamic schools in Thailand.