Even with his busy diplomatic schedule, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry still appreciates the more beautiful things in life.
During a visit to Indonesia, Kerry took a tour of Southeast Asia's largest mosque on Sunday, where he paid tribute to Islam, Agence France Presse reported.
Kerry was the epitome of respect - he removed his shoes outside the mosque, which lies in the heart of Jakarta, and then walked through the religious building with Grand Imam Kyai al-Hajj Ali Mustafa Yaqub.
The top U.S. official called the mosque an "extraordinary place,” and told local reporters: “I am very privileged to be here and I am grateful to the grand imam for allowing me to come," AFP reported.
The 2003 invasion of Iraq and rise in attacks on Muslims in America soured the U.S.' relationships with the Muslim world, but the Obama administration has been striving to mend broken bridges.
Indonesia, the world's third biggest democracy, has regularly been referred to by the U.S. and other Western countries as "a bridge to the Muslim world".
Perhaps the country holds such a significant place in this administration's heart because of Obama - the President spent part of his childhood romping around Jakarta, and he visited the mosque in 2010 during a state visit.
In his signature in the mosque's guest book, AFP reported that Kerry wrote:
“It has been a special honor to visit this remarkable place of worship. The amazing space and light and the extraordinary dome are the perfect way to welcome prayers. We are all bound to one God and the Abrahamic faiths tie us... together in love for our fellow man and honor for the same God. May peace be with you.”
