Indonesian FM Stresses The Urgency of Palestinian Issue to US Defense Secretary

Jakarta, MINA – Retno has affirmed that there is no other solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict unless the achievement of a two-state solution with East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine.

Foreign Minister Retno made the remarks at a meeting with US Defense Secretary James Mattis on Momday at the Pancasila Building in the Foreign Ministry compound, Pejambon Jakarta.

“The position of Indonesia has been very clear and firm in supporting the Palestinian struggle until the realization of Palestinian independence,” said Foreign Minister Retno in a press statement received by MINA on Tuesday (23/1).

Retno also expressed Indonesia’s hope that the US should reconsider its decision to cut its contribution to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

The Indonesian minister said that the role of UNRWA is very important in supporting Palestinian refugees in education and health. “This cut in aid will harm and negatively impact the peace process that has been built in Palestine,” said Retno.

In addition to the Palestinian issue, the Indonesian Foreign Minister and the US Defense Secretary also discussed efforts to create an ecosystem of peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs affirmed that the US as one of Indonesia’s partners has an important role to make the Indo-Pacific not only a peaceful area but also a growth area for the world.

It is important for the US to contribute to strengthening the habit of dialogue and mutual trust in the Indo-Pacific region.

“Regional architecture and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific should be based on principles of openness, transparency, inclusiveness, and a spirit of cooperation and mutual trust development” said Retno. (L/R04/RS5)

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)