Meet Foreign Minister Schallenberg, Foreign Minister Retno Encourages Austria To Admit To Palestine

JAKARTA - Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi appreciated Austria's support for the two-state solution to the conflict in Palestine, but encouraged Vienna to recognize the Palestinian State, when she met her foreign minister Alexander Schallenberg on Tuesday.

In a statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Minister Retno said that she expressed Indonesia's hope that Austria could start considering recognition of the Palestinian State.

"I understand very well that Austria's position is still difficult at this time. However, considering that Austria supports the completion of a two-state solution, this issue of recognition of Palestine is a step that shows consistency in support of two-state solutions," he said, as quoted Wednesday, June 26.

"I also express my appreciation for Austria's support for UNRWA. Austria had frozen aid to UNRWA. However, on May 18, Austria decided to reactivate funding for UNRWA for a total of 3.4 million euros for 2024," he explained.

"Since October 7, 2023, Austria has distributed 32 million euros of humanitarian aid through WFP and ICRC," said Foreign Minister Retno.

This humanitarian aid, continued Foreign Minister Retno, is very important to support the lives of civil society in Gaza and also the West Bank.

"Recently, it was reported that all residents of Gaza (about 2.23 million) experienced high levels of acute food security," said Foreign Minister Retno.

"Therefore, once again a ceasefire must be carried out immediately, the war must stop, and we can immediately save the lives of innocent people in Gaza," he said.

Regarding bilateral relations, Foreign Minister Retno said, along with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries this year, it mainly wants to be filled with strengthening economic relations.

Some of the issues discussed in yesterday's bilateral meetings include trade and investment, education and capacity development, tourism, and community-to-people contact cooperation.

"I and the Austrian Foreign Minister welcome the implementation of the 8th Indonesia-Austria Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue (IAID) in Bandung next month. The 8th IAID will discuss the issue of climate change, women and of course discussions to reduce gaps between religious communities.