VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

VOInews, Jakarta: Twenty-four ambassadors and heads of representatives of member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), including Indonesia, met with Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billström in Stockholm, Sweden. During the meeting, which took place on November 9, 2023, the Ambassadors expressed their full support for Palestine and condemned Israel's military aggression in the Gaza Strip.

According to an official statement from the Indonesian Embassy in Stockholm received by Indonesia Window here on Monday (13/11/2023), the OIC Ambassadors asked Sweden to urge Israel to implement a ceasefire and cease military attacks.

"Open access to humanitarian assistance from the international community and remain consistent in supporting a two-state solution where Palestine and Israel can live side by side in peace based on the 1967 territorial divisions," the Indonesian Embassy in Stockholm wrote.

Meanwhile, the Indonesian Ambassador to Sweden, Kamapradipta Isnomo, reiterated Indonesia's condemnation of Israel's violence against civilians and civilian facilities, especially hospitals, schools, and places of worship, in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

"The Indonesian Ambassador said that Indonesia condemned the casualties of 40 journalists and asked Sweden to continue providing international development assistance to Palestine. The Indonesian Ambassador sees that the suspension or termination of long-term development cooperation assistance for Palestine could set a bad precedent and could be part of collective punishment against Palestine in the context of international assistance," wrote the Indonesian Embassy in Stockholm.

Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billström expressed his appreciation for the meeting and dialog with OIC Ambassadors and heads of representatives in Stockholm. The Swedish Foreign Minister committed SEK 210 million (USD 2 million) in humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and will work for a ceasefire and humanitarian access with other EU member states.

Sweden was the first EU member state to officially open diplomatic relations with Palestine on October 30, 2014. Through the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA), Sweden is one of the largest contributors of development aid in the European Union, through thematic programs such as democracy, gender equality, human rights, environment and inclusive economic development.