Palestine Expects Indonesia Support in Pacific Region

Jakarta, (Antara) - During a meeting with Ambassador Teguh Wardoyo in Ramallah on Sunday, President Mahmoud Abbas said that he expected support from Indonesia with strengthening the Palestinian presence in the Pacific region.

A statement from the Indonesian Embassy in Amman to Antara on Tuesday stated that President Abbas had stressed the importance of recognition for Palestine among the Pacific countries.

This is due to the unconditional support given by some countries including Papua New Guinea, Nauru, Micronesia, Vanuatu, and Fiji towards Israel at every international forum.

President Abbas had hoped that Indonesia can help Palestine gain support in the Pacific region by educating local countries of its potential, as well as showing its ability to give assistance the countries to the region as a whole.

The President explained that the Palestinian government is able to provide medical doctors and other personnel to help the Pacific countries through the International Agency for Development, as well opportunities for closer business cooperation.

He added that he considers Palestine to be a second home for Indonesians and that Palestinian land also belongs to the Indonesian people.

The meeting between the Palestinian President and the Indonesian Ambassador was also attended by the Deputy Prime Minister of Palestine, Ziad Abu Amr, the Diplomatic Advisor to the President, Majdi Khaldi, and the Director of Presidential Palace Protocol.

The Deputy Prime Minister of Palestine had hoped that a memorandum of understanding between the two countries can come into place, particularly regarding closer economic ties.

The Indonesian government responded by promising to continue to provide support to the Palestinian economy through programs that will help with recruiting and training professionals with potential in Palestine, as well as other Muslim countries.(*)