Regarding The Nuclear Submarine, Foreign Minister Retno Said That Australia Is Committed To Respecting The Principle Of Nuclear Non-proliferation

Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi at the UN headquarters, New York. (Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

JAKARTA - Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi stressed her concern regarding the arms and power race that threatens security stability, including with the Australian nuclear submarine deal.

The United States, Britain and Australia announced an Indo-Pacific defense alliance among the three countries, called AUKUS, with the Kangaroo Country for an agreement to build eight nuclear submarines.

In the virtual meeting of the 'Asia Society' on the sidelines of the 76th UN General Assembly in New York, United States, Foreign Minister Retno said Australia was committed to respecting the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).

"I convey, we accept Australia's explanation, we listen to the commitments given by Australia, including to continue to respect the NPT, non-proliferation principles and international law," said Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi in a virtual press conference Wednesday, September 22.

"In the 'Asia Society', I emphasized that what we all do not want is the possibility of increasing arms race and power projection in the region, which of course will threaten regional security stability," he continued.

Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi is currently in New York, United States of America to attend a series of UN General Assembly sessions, as well as at least 28 scheduled meetings with friendly countries while in Uncle Sam's country.

Previously, citing the ABC on September 21, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on his flight to the United States called President Joko Widodo to explain the decision, stressing that the ships would not be armed with nuclear weapons.

On the occasion, PM Morisson also told President Joko Widodo that he would maintain his obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).