INDONESIA REAFFIRMS SUPPORT FOR PALESTINE DURING BILATERAL MEETING IN RUSSIA

By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar

JAKARTA, Oct 24 (Bernama) -- Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono has reaffirmed the country’s strong commitment to the struggle of the Palestinian people for independence during a bilateral meeting with the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO)’s officials in Kazan, Russia.

Speaking on the sidelines of the BRICS Plus 2024 summit, Sugiono stated, “I will ensure that the Palestinian issue remains at the forefront of Indonesia's diplomacy, and we will continue to stand firm with the Palestinian people.”

The newly appointed minister made his remarks during a meeting with PLO Executive Committee Secretary General Hussein Al Sheikh, suggesting that the BRICS summit should be used to strengthen collaboration as a positive force for peace in Palestine, according to the ministry’s statement.

He reiterated Indonesia’s political support for Palestine, which includes ongoing efforts to promote a permanent ceasefire and other peace initiatives aimed at achieving a two-state solution, adding that the commitment was also articulated by Prabowo Subianto during his inauguration as President of Indonesia on October 20.

The foreign minister also reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to humanitarian assistance for Palestine, both bilaterally and through United Nations’ agencies such as the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO), while stressing the importance of collective efforts to promote peace and stability in the Middle East.

Sugiono, 45, was a former Special Forces soldier and the first non-career diplomat to serve as foreign minister since 2001. He is regarded as one of President Prabowo’s closest advisor and his ideological protege.

In a separate bilateral meeting with Indian Foreign Minister Dr S. Jaishankar, Sugiono welcomed India’s decision to lift the ban on non-basmati white rice exports, which will improve food security.

The ministers discussed collaboration in various sectors, such as nutrition, housing, pharmaceuticals, defence, and education. He also invited Jaishankar to the 8th Joint Commission Meeting in Jakarta which prioritises the economy, defence, education, and research and development.

During bilateral meeting with Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, both ministers discussed about ASEAN and exchanged views on the situation in Myanmar, agreeing on the need for an urgent resolution to the issue.

Sugiono advocated for the importance of continuing collaborative and inclusive efforts, as well as a tailored approach that involves all parties in Myanmar, while maintaining ASEAN’s solidarity and centrality amidst dynamic geopolitical conditions.

Maris expressed hope that Indonesia, as part of the ASEAN Troika Plus, would continue to play its role to help resolve the Myanmar crisis, according to the statement.

-- BERNAMA