The forum will take the theme of remembering the peaceful expedition of Chinese Muslim admiral Zheng He, who sailed to countries in Asia and Africa with missions of bringing peace and prosperity some 600 years ago, said chairman of the committee Din Syamsuddin at a press conference.

"Zheng He's mission in his expedition is in line with the spirit of the forum," said the chairman, who is also the chairman of the country's second biggest Muslim organization of Muhammaddiyah.

He said that over 150 religious leaders of various religions from 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations(ASEAN) countries, and religious leaders from countries including China, Japan, SouthKorea, India, Pakistan, Australia, New Zealand and East Timor, will participate in the forum.

"The cooperation of inter-religions will be more significant tobe held now," said Syamsuddin.

Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla is scheduled to open the meeting, he said.

Admiral Zheng He had sailed to over 35 countries from Asia to Africa, bringing the mission of culture, diplomacy, science and trade. He was regarded a pioneer of the peaceful inter-religious and inter-cultural interactions.

Ten countries of the ASEAN are Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, thePhilippines, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam and Singapore. Enditem