Foreign Minister Sugiono Meets US Foreign Minister Rubio, Discusses Strategic Partnership To Situation In Gaza Strip

AS Foreign Minister Rubio when receiving Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono. (Source: Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

JAKARTA - The Government of the Republic of Indonesia (RI) and the United States (US) affirm a strong commitment to expanding strategic partnerships between the two countries in various fields, ranging from politics-security, trade to investment.

This commitment was achieved in a bilateral meeting when US Foreign Minister Marco Rubio received Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono at the US Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Washington, Wednesday, April 16.

In a written statement, the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that this meeting was a follow-up to the communication between the two Foreign Ministers in January 2025, as quoted on Thursday, April 17.

During the meeting, Foreign Minister Sugiono conveyed various priorities and programs of Asta Cita Presiden Prabowo Subianto, including food and energy security, downstreaming, and human resource development.

He explained that a number of these priorities opened up opportunities for concrete cooperation with Uncle Sam's country.

In addition, Foreign Minister Sugiono also encouraged the strengthening of Indonesia-US economic cooperation, including in the context of supply chains, by inviting US investors to invest in critical mineral sectors, such as nickel and other important sectors.

"The Indonesian government has taken many deregulation steps to simplify and create a conducive situation for foreign investors," said Foreign Minister Sugiono.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Rubio said, the momentum of the meeting and strengthening of bilateral cooperation between Indonesia and the US is currently very appropriate in the midst of global geopolitical dynamics.

In addition to bilateral cooperation, the two Foreign Ministers also discussed regional and global issues, such as the South China Sea and Palestine, emphasizing the importance of promoting the spirit of cooperation and dialogue in creating stability and peace in the region.

Regarding Palestine, Foreign Minister Sugiono highlighted President Prabowo's active role in encouraging the peace process in Palestine, as reflected in President Prabowo's visit to several countries, such as Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, the UAE and Turkey.

"The Indonesian government is also ready to temporarily evacuate about 1,000 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip who were injured to be treated in Indonesia. After that, they will be sent back to Gaza," said Foreign Minister Sugiono.

Indonesia rejects the relocation of Palestinians in Gaza from its homeland, added the Indonesian Foreign Minister who is the main diplomat of the ASEAN country received by the US Foreign Minister in Washington DC.