France, Indonesia Vow to Push for Middle East Peace

President Jokowi welcomes French President Hollande at Merdeka Palace, here on Wednesday – Antara photo.

 
Jakarta, 01 Rajab 1438/29 March 2017 (MINA) – France and Indonesia, on Wednesday, agreed to make every effort to pursue peace between Palestinians and Israel, sunnewsonline.com quoted Indonesian President Joko Widodo as saying.

French President Francois conducted talks with Joko in Jakarta, the first official visit to Indonesia by a French president in 30 years.

Joko said: “we discussed the issue of Palestinian independence and the fight against extremism and terrorism,” Joko said after the meeting at the presidential palace.

“We agreed to continue efforts to achieve peace between Palestine and Israel through the two-state solution concept.”

Joko said it was important to promote tolerance and fight xenophobia to defeat extremism.

Both Indonesia and France have been hit by terror attacks attributed to Islamic militants in recent years.

Hollande’s visit was part of a South-east Asia trip that has included stops in Singapore and Malaysia.

Hollande was accompanied by Defence Minister Jean-Yves Drian and Christophe Sirugue, secretary of state for the digital industry and innovation, as well as some 50 businessmen.

Joko said he and Hollande agreed to strengthen cooperation in the areas of defence and maritime affairs as well as in industries including fashion and film.

He welcomed investment agreements worth 2.6 billion dollars between French and Indonesian companies, including those in the energy and transport sectors. (T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)