VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

VOInews, Jakarta: On the sidelines of the UN Security Council Open Debate meeting, Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi held bilateral meetings with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Norway and the President of the International Red Cross (ICRC). Foreign Minister Retno said that the bilateral meeting specifically discussed the situation in Gaza and encouraged an immediate ceasefire.

"The bilateral meeting mainly discussed the situation in Gaza, including encouraging an immediate ceasefire and the delivery of humanitarian assistance," Retno said in an official statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs received on Wednesday morning (24/1/2024) in Jakarta.

In addition to Gaza, the two countries also discussed economic cooperation. According to Retno, Indonesia and Russia are committed to accelerating negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Indonesia and the Eurasian Economic Union.

Meanwhile, in a bilateral meeting with Norway, the two countries discussed the implementation of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) cooperation. Foreign Minister Retno said that Norway is committed to providing funds amounting to USD250 million (Rp3.9 billion) through Norfund.

"I also appreciate Norway for recognizing Indonesia's efforts to reduce deforestation and land use," she said.

In a meeting with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Retno said they discussed humanitarian efforts in Myanmar and Afghanistan.

In addition to meeting with the three foreign ministers, Retno said she had bilateral meetings with the foreign ministers of Lebanon, Algeria, Palestine, Austria and Jordan.