Foreign Minister Retno Urges D-8 Members Including United Iran To Help Palestine From Israel's Aggression

Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi spoke at the Extraordinary Meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers D-8 in Istanbul, Turkey, on Saturday (8/6/2024). (ANTARA/HO-Kemlu RI)

JAKARTA - Indonesian Foreign Minister (Menlu) Retno Marsudi encouraged developing 8 or D-8 member countries to unite in helping Palestine amid Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip.

Retno said member countries, namely Indonesia, Turkey, Malaysia, Egypt, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iran, and Nigeria must be able to strengthen the work of the Organization for Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for Palestine, amid the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza.

"D-8 member countries cannot sit quietly and relax seeing genocide continue to occur in Gaza," said Foreign Minister Retno at a meeting of the 'Extraordinary Meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers D-8' in Istanbul, Saturday, June 8, in a press statement, was confiscated by Antara.

In a D-8 meeting he stressed that lasting peace, which is the main and long-term goal of resolving the Palestinian crisis, would not have materialized without a ceasefire.

"This is where the issue of a permanent ceasefire is emphasized by all, including Indonesia. Indonesia has been calling for a consistent permanent ceasefire from the start," he said.

Before the ceasefire was reached, Retno explained several things that must continue to be done to help Palestine.

First, he said, D-8 members must continue to use their influence so that more countries recognize Palestine.

"I said that at the end of May I was in Europe, meeting among others with the Foreign Ministers of Norway, Spain and Ireland, discussing the issue of the importance of recognition of Palestine. This June I will hold several meetings with European countries for the same purpose," said Retno.

Second, D-8 countries must continue to strive to encourage Palestine to become a full member of the United Nations.

"This is not an easy way. But we have to keep trying. D-8 must be driving force for this effort," he said.

Furthermore, the D-8 state must continue to voice the importance of smooth assistance and support the work of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA).

"I say that Indonesia has increased its contribution to UNRWA several times. Indonesia also continues to provide humanitarian assistance according to the needs of the field. Of course, the assistance provided is adjusted to the abilities of each member country. What is important is our spirit of solidarity," said Retno.

The Extraordinary Meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers D-8 was held specifically to discuss the development of the situation in Gaza.

D-8 was originally established to advance trade, role and posture in international forums, as well as community welfare. All D-8 member countries are also members of the OIC.