VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Feb. 11 - The Indonesian government is committed to extending US$2.3 million in aid to support Palestine's struggle for independence, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said.

The aid will be channeled either through the bilateral mechanism or the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and the International Committee for the Red Cross (ICRC), she said at a joint virtual press conference with Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki in Amman, Jordan, on Wednesday.

"We also hope assistance for COVID-19 handling in Palestine could be disbursed in the first semester of this year," she added.

Marsudi, who is also co-chair of the global vaccine procurement program for COVAX AMC Engagement Group member countries, highlighted the importance of ensuring fair and equitable access to the COVID-19 vaccine for all countries, including Palestine.

She further reiterated Indonesia’s support for Palestinian independence, which, she said, can be achieved through negotiations with Israel.

Indonesia's support for Palestine's struggle will always be based on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution and internationally-agreed parameters, including the two-state solution, Marsudi stated.

"Peace talks and negotiations must be continued immediately and Indonesia is ready to contribute (to the process)," she added.

The agenda of the Indonesian Foreign Minister's first visit to Jordan, including her meeting with the Palestinian Foreign Minister in Amman, received appreciation.

"I know it is not easy, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic (...) but you have the guts and commitment to visit," al-Maliki remarked.

While expressing gratitude to Indonesia for its unrelenting support for Palestine, al-Maliki said both nations will continue to cooperate in developing bilateral relations and promoting peace and justice for Palestine. (Antaranews)