VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi will make a visit to Lebanon on February 24^th. The visit was specifically conducted to meet Indonesian troops serving as the Garuda Contingent involved the UN peacekeeping force, United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). It was conveyed by the Director of International Security and Disarmament of Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Grata Endah Werdaningtyas in her press conference at Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jakarta, Thursday, February 22.

"The Minister's is scheduled to depart on February 24^th. Insha Allah she will arrive on February 25^th in Lebanon, in the morning. The Minister's visit will focus on visiting UNIFIL in two areas, considering our troop is asigned in the two areas, namely an infantry battalion working at Indobatt in the area named Adit Alqusayr and at a location under the Maritime Task Force in Port of Beirut," Grata Endah Werdaningtyas said in the press conference.

Grata added that the visit of Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs to Lebanon is an example of appreciation to Indonesian troops who joined in UNIFIL. During his visit Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs will hold a series of discussions and dialogue with Indonesian military personnel, to further explore the challenges and obstacles faced by the Garuda Contingent. Grata also believes the visit of Foreign Minister Retno to UNIFIL has its own value for Indonesia. First, this visit shows Indonesia's commitment and support to the peace efforts in Lebanon. In addition, this visit will have a positive impact on Indonesia as part of its nomination as a permanent member of the UN Security Council in 2019-2020 period. (VOI/Rezha)