Indonesian Foreign Minister Affirms Palestinian International Recognition As A Sovereign State Of Must

JAKARTA - Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono emphasized that the international recognition of Palestine as a sovereign country is a must, urging an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

This was conveyed by Foreign Minister Sugiono while participating in "The 4th Ministerial Conference On Cooperation Among East Asian Countries For Palestinian Development" (CEAPAD IV) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Friday.

The Indonesian Foreign Minister said that CeAPAD was more than just a meeting, but a goal-oriented solidarity, partnership and cooperation platform.

"CEAPD is a platform that unites East Asian innovation with Palestinian aspirations to obtain the sovereignty, dignity and peace they deserve," said the Indonesian Foreign Minister.

"International recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state is a must, as well as accelerating the ceasefire and intensifying diplomatic efforts must be a top priority," Foreign Minister Sugiono emphasized Indonesia's position in his statement, as quoted Friday, July 11.

Foreign Minister Sugiono said Indonesia praised and encouraged CEAPD to strengthen collaborative efforts in realizing concrete projects, in order to ensure the long-term resilience of Palestine, from education to institutional reforms.

"We believe that CeAPED must function not only as a development channel, but also as a conveyer of awareness," said the Indonesian Foreign Minister.

"And we fully support the CeAPAD IV Action Plan and are ready to work closely with CeAPAD partners to implement the Plan," he said.

Regarding Palestine Foreign Minister Sugiono said Indonesia reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Palestine through various initiatives so far this year.

In terms of humanitarian assistance, Indonesia has donated USD 2 million to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for work in the Gaza Strip.

In addition, Foreign Minister Sugiono revealed that Indonesia is in the process of sending 10,000 tons of rice to Palestine through coordination with the Palestinian Ministry of Agriculture.

Meanwhile, in terms of capacity development, apart from providing scholarships for six Palestinian doctors to take part in plastic surgery training in the country, Indonesia will also provide support in agriculture.

"Indonesia in collaboration with Japan will train up to 20 participants in the Avocado Development Program to increase Palestinian agricultural capacity, support rural livelihoods and expand export potential," said the Indonesian Foreign Minister.

"This is also a continuation of the scholarships we gave to 40 Palestinian students at the Defense University, Jakarta," he said.

Foreign Minister Sugiono appreciated CeAPAD IV who was jointly led by Japan, Malaysia, and Palestine.

It is known that the first meeting of CeAPAD led by Japan and Palestine was held on February 13-14 2013 in Tokyo, citing the UN and Named sites.