U.S. VP in Indonesia sends conciliatory message to Islamic world

New York [USA], Apr 20 (ANI): U.S. Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday praised Indonesia for its tradition of "modern Islam", sending a conciliatory message to the Islamic world. Pence was speaking in the world's most populous Muslim nation midway through a 10-day swing in Asia meant to reinforce key US alliances at the start of the Trump administration, reports the CNN. He met Indonesian President Joko Widodo and toured the largest mosque in the region. Pence said the US would continue working with Indonesia to combat terrorism, adding the country's form of Islam should serve as an example to other nations. As the largest majority Muslim country, Indonesia's tradition of modern Islam, frankly, is the inspiration to the world," he said. The Trump administration has caused concern among the Muslim communities with some of its executive orders, including barring entry to citizens of some predominantly Muslim nations. That plan, however, remains stalled in courts and hasn't gone into effect. Pence, in Jakarta, said Trump was not interested in banning entry to all Muslims. "Rest assured, under President Trump, the United States welcomes all who share our values for that brighter future," he said. He also announced Trump's intentions to visit Southeast Asia in November for a yearly set of conferences. The Summits this year take place in Vietnam and the Philippines. (ANI)