In an apparent move to head off rising religious tensions between groups, top clerics in the country are reaching out to one another as part of efforts to foster harmony among all faiths.

Among them were Kuala Lumpur archbishop Julian Leow Beng Kim who met with Federal Territories mufti Zulkifli Mohamad al-Bakri last Thursday in what was touted as the first such occasion, reported The Star .

Speaking to the daily, the mufti described the archbishop's visit as 'unprecedented' and 'historic', saying that both the leaders looked at what both their faiths had in common instead of the differences.

Zulkifli related that he and the archbishop hoped to find common ground between the two faiths as they recognised the importance of tolerance in inter-religious affairs.

"The move was refreshing as this was the first time a religious leader has made a courtesy call on my office," he reportedly said.

The KL mufti also said both of them discussed the need for mutual respect between all religions in a diverse society.

The archbishop also invited Zulkifly to visit his own office to which the mufti replied, "God willing, I will do it".

Meanwhile, in a Facebook post later, Zulkifli gave thanks to Allah for the visit.

He also thanked the archbishop for his courtesy call and Brother Shah Kirit from the Global Unity Network who had arranged the occasion.