JAKARTA: The grand imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif met Indonesia鈥檚 incumbent and upcoming leadership on Wednesday, during the Jakarta part of his tour of Southeast Asian nations.

Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb has visited Malaysia and Thailand on the regional tour that began on July 2, making Indonesia his last stop.

鈥淲e are very happy with His Excellency鈥檚 visit, which coincides with the Islamic new year,鈥� Indonesian Vice President Ma鈥檙uf Amin said during his meeting with Al-Tayeb.

Amin highlighted Indonesia鈥檚 close cooperation with Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, which was 鈥渁n important part in the history of relations and cooperation between Indonesia and Egypt,鈥� his office said in a statement.

On Wednesday, Al-Tayeb also held talks with Indonesia鈥檚 president-elect and defense minister Prabowo Subianto and attended an interfaith event organized by Indonesia鈥檚 largest Islamic organization, Nahdlatul Ulama.

Indonesia-Egypt cooperation in education and interfaith initiatives were discussed when President Joko Widodo and Al-Tayeb met on Tuesday.

鈥淥n Indonesia-Egypt relations, the president highlighted how Egypt has historically been a destination for many Indonesian students,鈥� Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi told reporters after the meeting.

About 15,000 Indonesians live in Egypt, about 95 percent of whom are students.

As grand imam, Al-Tayeb heads the Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, Al-Azhar Mosque, and by extension the Al-Azhar University. He is also responsible for official religious matters, along with the Grand Mufti of Egypt.

Al-Azhar Al-Sharif is one of the world鈥檚 most prestigious Islamic scientific bodies and the largest religious institution in Egypt.

Muhammad Zainul Majdi, who heads the Indonesian chapter of the international organization of Al-Azhar University alumni, said that Al-Tayeb鈥檚 visit would have a positive impact on the world鈥檚 biggest Muslim-majority country and was 鈥渁lso an important momentum to strengthen Indonesia鈥檚 relations with Al-Azhar, which is (one of the) oldest Islamic academic institutions with a significant global influence.鈥�