Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi has affirmed that the country has no intention to open diplomatic relations with Israel.

“At the end of 2020, news was widely spread, saying that Indonesia would soon open diplomatic relations with Israel. I would like to reiterate that until now, there is no intention of Indonesia to open diplomatic relations with Israel,” Retno Marsudi said in the Indonesian Foreign Minister's annual press statement here on Wednesday (Jan. 6).

The Foreign Minister emphasized that Indonesia will continue to provide support for Palestinian independence based on a two-state solution and international parameters.

She explained that in a telephone conversation with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on December 16, 2020, Indonesian President Joko Widodo stressed that Indonesia had no intention of opening diplomatic relations with Israel.

"Regarding the Palestinian issue, Indonesia hopes that a conducive situation will be created in 2021. It takes commitment from all parties so that constructive dialogues, even direct negotiations will take place as we continue to pay attention to the international laws, the U.N. Security Council resolutions, and international parameters," FM Retno said.

Indonesia's support for the Palestinian people to achieve their independence will continue, she added.

Reporting by Indonesia Window