Consistently Supports The Struggle For Palestine's Independence, Foreign Minister Retno Awarded Mujahidah Diplomacy Award

Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi received the Mujahidah Diplomacy Award. (Source: Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) on Thursday awarded the 'Mujahidah Diplomacy Award' to Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, as an appreciation for her commitment to supporting the Palestinian independence struggle.

"This award is a reminder that the struggle for Palestine is our common struggle," said the Indonesian Foreign Minister in a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thursday, October 3.

"We are grateful that Indonesia's diplomatic struggle for Palestine has received great support from the people of Indonesia and community organizations. MUI and Baznas are important partners in the struggle," he continued.

Furthermore, Foreign Minister Retno emphasized that the issue of Palestine was very thick, raised in the international world, including during its participation at the 79th UN General Assembly (SMU) in New York which she had just attended.

"Indonesia will not remain silent. Indonesia is among the front lines in defending the Palestinian people's struggle. Indonesian diplomacy chooses to side with defending justice and humanity, defending the right one, against all odds," said Foreign Minister Retno.

Furthermore, on this occasion Foreign Minister Retno also explained the main focus that Indonesia was fighting for during the UN High School in New York, United States last week.

First, garnering state recognition of Palestinian sovereignty. Next, it continues to encourage the implementation of the UN General Assembly's Resolution which asks Israel to end its illegal activities in Palestine.

"Over the last 10 years, in addition to the huge assistance of the government and the Indonesian people. We have also distributed 189 capacity buildings to more than 2,000 Palestinian beneficiaries. And of course, the construction of Indonesian hospitals in Gaza," explained Foreign Minister Retno.

"This does not include commitments to distribute aid to Palestine through other channels such as the International Labor Organization (ILO) and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)," he added.

The Indonesian Foreign Minister added that carrying out dignified foreign politics in the midst of a world situation that is thick with sharp rivalry requires hard efforts.

Foreign Minister Retno thanked her for her cooperation and support during her tenure, as well as reminded all Indonesians to never get tired of defending the truth.

In addition to providing Anugerah, on this occasion, MUI and Baznas have also launched a book with the title 'Retno Marsudi Mujahidah Diplomacy Indonesia', as well as an appreciation for their efforts to fight for Palestinian independence through diplomacy.