Indonesia Widens Diplomatic Relations at UN General Assembly

Jakarta, 26 Dzulhijjah 1437/28 September 2016 (MINA) – The Government of Indonesia has expanded its diplomatic relations with a number of countries during the 71st Session of the UN General Assembly that took place from 19 to 26 September 2016.

“Diplomatic relations will facilitate the strengthening and improvement of various cooperations, both bilateral and multilateral cooperation, at the United Nations,” Antara quoted Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi as saying in a press statement received here on Wednesday.

The statement was delivered by the minister shortly before returning to Indonesia after the end of the UN General Assembly in New York on September 26.

During the General Assembly, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi attended 48 meetings. Of these, 28 of the 48 sessions were bilateral meetings.

At the 71st sessions of the UN General Assembly, Indonesia expanded its diplomatic relations with three countries in the African region.

Also, the Indonesian Foreign Minister signed three agreements establishing diplomatic relations between Indonesia and the Central African Republic, Equitorial Guinea and Chad.

With the signing of the joint communications between Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi with Foreign Minister Charles-Armel Doubane, Foreign Minister Agapito Mba Mokuy, and Foreign Minister Moussa Faki Mahamat, Indonesia has now established diplomatic relations with 190 countries out of 193 UN member states.

In addition, the foreign minister, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, also signed two bilateral agreements, including the Memorandum of Bilateral Consultations with Turkmenistan and the Memorandum of Understanding between Indonesia and the Secretariat of the Arab League.

Furthermore, the Indonesian Government has formally launched its bid to become a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2019 to 2020 period.

“The UN General Assembly, this year, is quite important for the Indonesian delegation to promote and safeguard national interests,” the minister emphasized.( (T/R07/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)