Bilateral and Multilateral Cooperation between Muslim Countries

Bilateral and multilateral cooperation between Muslim countries can be done through various international organizations such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), the United Nations (UN), the World Tourism Organization (UN-WTO), and the G-20.

1. Bilateral Cooperation

Bilateral cooperation is a cooperation between two countries. Bilateral cooperation between Muslim countries can be done in various fields such as diplomatic relations, trade, education, and culture. Indonesia prioritizes values of mutual respect, non-interference in the domestic affairs of other countries, rejection of violence, and consensus in establishing bilateral relations. Indonesia also continues to strengthen cooperation with Muslim countries through bilateral meetings with those countries.

One example of bilateral cooperation between Muslim countries can be seen in the bilateral relations between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. Indonesia and Saudi Arabia have a very important bilateral relationship because Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam, and Indonesia is home to the largest Muslim population in the world; both are majority Muslim countries. 

Diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia have been established since 1950. Indonesia and Saudi Arabia have a framework for cooperation in the form of a Joint Commission Meeting that was formed in 1982 to strengthen bilateral relations in various areas including trade and investment cooperation. In addition, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia also have inter-religious relations that are important for Indonesian society.

Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) symbol (source: Wikimedia commons)

2. Multilateral Cooperation

Multilateral cooperation is a cooperation between three or more countries in the form of international organizations. Multilateral cooperation between Muslim countries can be done through the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) which aims to enhance Islamic cooperation among OIC member states, coordinate cooperation among OIC member states, support international peace and security, and protect the holy places of Muslims. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) was formed after the leaders of a number of Islamic countries held a Conference in Rabat, Morocco on September 22-25, 1969 and agreed on the Rabat Declaration which affirmed the belief in Islam, respect for the UN Charter and human rights. Indonesia continues to strengthen cooperation with Muslim countries through multilateral meetings with those countries.