Megawati Soekarnoputri and Kuwait Ambassador Discuss the Impact of the Eastern Tegah Conflict on Indonesia

The 5th President of the Republic of Indonesia and General Chairperson of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle Megawati Soekarnoputri received the Ambassador of Kuwait to Indonesia Khalid Jassim Al-Yassin at his residence in the Menteng area, Central Jakarta, Monday, May 18. (PDIP Doc)

JAKARTA - The 5th President of the Republic of Indonesia and General Chairperson of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle Megawati Soekarnoputri received a visit from the Ambassador of Kuwait to Indonesia Khalid Jassim Al-Yassin at his residence in the Menteng area, Central Jakarta, Monday (18/5).

In the meeting, as stated in a written statement by PDIP Secretary-General Hasto Kristiyanto in Jakarta, Tuesday, Megawatidan the Kuwait Ambassador discussed the impact of the continued conflict in the Middle East on Indonesia, as well as the good relations between the two countries.

On that occasion, Megawati was accompanied by PDIP Secretary General Hasto Kristiyanto, PDIP DPP Chairman Ahmad Basarah, Director of Foreign Relations Hanjaya Setiawan, and PDIP politician M. Guntur Romli.

At the beginning of the dialogue, Hasto explained that the Kuwaiti Ambassador expressed his appreciation for Indonesia's historical support for the Palestinian people's struggle.

The Kuwaiti ambassador emphasized that what was happening in Palestine was likely the last form of colonialism on earth.

He also stated that Kuwait and other Arab countries had great respect for Bung Karno for his struggle against colonialism which was an inspiration for them.

"The Kuwaiti Ambassador praised Indonesia's leadership role in the world through the spirit of Bandung, namely the values of solidarity, peace, and anti-colonialism that emerged from the Asian-African Conference, which also contributed to Kuwait's independence. Kuwait then joined the Non-Aligned Movement. Currently, Indonesia has a very important position in the Global South region, especially because of its history of struggle in achieving independence that inspires Asian and African countries, including Kuwait," said Hasto.

Responding to this, Megawati stated that Indonesia plays a very important geopolitical role in the organization of the Asia-Africa Conference.

"One of the important points in the Asia-Africa Conference agreement is support for Palestinian independence," Megawati said.

Ambassador Khalid also conveyed his appreciation for Megawati's leadership role in strengthening democratic values and tolerance in Indonesia.

The discussion then continued on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East between the United States, Israel, and Iran.

"As a mother, I feel deep sorrow for the impact of the uncertain war on the fate of children and mothers in conflict-torn countries," Megawati said.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Khalid stressed that Kuwait had clearly stated that his country was not a party to the armed conflict and rejected the use of its territory or airspace as a starting point for attacks on neighboring countries.

"However, for the past two months, Kuwait has continued to face intensive attacks. These attacks target civilian facilities, such as airports, oil installations, water treatment facilities, and government buildings, resulting in casualties. The Iranian attack is also a violation of the Charter of the United Nations and the principles of international law. Under the pretext that the Iranian attack aims to disrupt the facilities and interests of the United States in Kuwait," said the Kuwaiti Ambassador.

Ambassador Khalid Jassim Al-Yassin emphasized that Kuwait never interfered in the internal affairs of other countries and remained committed to strengthening peace.

"The position has been conveyed to Iran, but it has been ignored and attacks on Kuwait continue. We hope that Indonesia, with its respected international position, can also support efforts to bring about peace in the Middle East," said the Kuwaiti Ambassador.

The meeting also discussed various solutions to the war in the Middle East, including the issue of the Strait of Hormuz.

Ambassador Khalid emphasized the importance of reopening the strait as an international trade route given its vital role for the stability of the global energy market.

Hasto also conveyed that Megawati's current leadership has received widespread attention from the international community, where many ambassadors of friendly countries continue to communicate with her.

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The 5th President of the Republic of Indonesia and General Chairperson of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle Megawati Soekarnoputri received the Ambassador of Kuwait to Indonesia Khalid Jassim Al-Yassin at his residence in the Menteng area, Central Jakarta, Monday, May 18. (PDIP Doc)