Indonesia and China Urge All Parties in the Middle East to Exercise Restraint

Foreign Minister Wang Yi with Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi in Jakarta. (Source: Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

JAKARTA - Indonesia and China urge all parties in the Middle East to exercise restraint to prevent wider escalation, while the Palestinian issue must be resolved through a two-state solution.

This was discussed at a meeting between Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno L.P Marsudi and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Jakarta.

"We have the same view regarding the importance of all parties exercising restraint and the importance of de-escalation," said Foreign Minister Retno in a statement in Jakarta, Thursday, April 18.

Foreign Minister Retno said that apart from explaining the diplomatic efforts made by Indonesia so far, she was also confident that China would use its influence to prevent escalation.

"We also have the same view regarding the importance of a ceasefire in Gaza and resolving the Palestinian problem fairly through two-state solutions," said Foreign Minister Retno.

"Indonesia will support Palestine's full membership in the UN. Middle East stability will not be realized without resolving the Palestinian issue," she stressed.

Apart from the Middle East and Palestine, on this occasion the two foreign ministers also discussed Indo-Pacific issues. Foreign Minister Retno emphasized that Indonesia is committed to maintaining stability and peace in the region, which can be achieved if all parties respect international law.

"Indonesia appreciates China's support for the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. We have a responsibility to keep our region peaceful and stable," she said.

Foreign Minister Retno added that she invited China to establish friendly, mutually respectful, profitable relations and respect international law, to maintain stability, peace, and prosperity in the region.