Indonesia eager to collaborate with Egypt for Palestinian independence, Lebanese and Syrian stability: President

CAIRO – 18 December 2024: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has expressed eagerness to bolster collaboration with Egypt in the face of regional and global challenges, including efforts to support Palestine’s independence.

As he met with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in Cairo on Wednesday, Subianto urged enhanced Egyptian-Indonesian cooperation to preserve stability in the region, including in Lebanon and Syria, a joint statement by both presidents read.

Subianto commended Egypt’s efforts to reach peace and halt the Israeli aggression in Gaza.

Both presidents reviewed means of supporting efforts aimed at reaching a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and ensuring safe, continuous and unimpeded influx of humanitarian aid to Palestinians in the enclave.

 

Indonesia praised Egypt’s leading role in facilitating humanitarian aid access to Gaza and underlined its dedication to collaborating with Egypt in this regard.

Both countries emphasized the need for Israeli withdrawal from territories it has occupied since 4 June 1967. They called for the halt of Israeli unilateral measures, adherence to the international law, and the implementation of the UN Security Council resolutions 242, 252, 267, 446, and 2334.

TWO-STATE SOLUTION

The two countries warned that the Israeli unilateral practices aimed at creating a new status quo on the ground not only represent a breach of Israel’s international obligations but also undermine the two-state solution.

They affirmed that the two-state solution continues to be advocated by peace-loving nations as the only solution to end the conflict.

The two leaders underscored the necessity for the establishment of an independent, contiguous and viable Palestinian state on the borders of 4 June 1967 with East Jerusalem as its capital.

 

Moreover, the presidents condemned the displacement of the Palestinian people from their lands and expressed rejection of Israeli measures aimed at displacing inhabitants of Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

They also denounced the violence practiced by Israeli settlers, the demolition of Palestinians’ homes, and the military incursions in Palestinian cities. Additionally, they condemned the practices that pose threats to legal and historic status of holy places in Jerusalem.

LEBANON AND SYRIA

Regarding the recent Lebanese developments, Sisi and Subianto welcomed the ceasefire in Lebanon, which came into force on 27 November, calling for Israeli to adhere to the agreement.

They underscored the importance of full implementation of the UN Security Council resolution 1701 adopted in 2006 and urged enabling the Lebanese army to take control of all areas across Lebanon, including the southern area of the country. They affirmed the significance of supporting Lebanese institutions.

 

The two leaders also tackled the situation in Syria, affirming that the only sustainable solution for the situation there lies in the launch of a democratic, comprehensive and peaceful political process based on the UN Security Council resolution 2254.

This process should prioritize the achievement of aspirations and interests of the Syrian people and ensure the sovereignty and territorial integrity in the country, they affirmed.

The presidents condemned attempts to undermine the Syrian sovereignty and territorial integrity, especially the recent Israeli aggression on the Golan Heights. This aggression constitutions a breach of the Agreement on Disengagement signed in 1974 and multiple UN resolutions.

They called for Israel to end its occupation of the Golan Heights.

The presidents reaffirmed the importance of maintaining water and food security for both countries. They urged enhancing transboundary cooperation in accordance with international law to ensure sustainable water supplies for life, including agriculture, food production and ecosystem services.

HISTORIC RELATIONS

Official talks between Sisi and Subianto aimed to enhance cooperation and historic relations between both countries, the joint statement read.

The presidents affirmed their commitment to bolstering Egyptian-Indonesian cooperation in trade, food security, defense, education, culture and regional peace.

 

They also urged taking necessary measures to enhance the two countries’ cooperation in defense and security fields.

The leaders underlined the significance of continued collaboration in education. Subianto praised Egypt’s hosting of around 15,000 Indonesian students, especially those studying in Al Azhar.

They underscored the benefits of cultural exchange between Egypt and Indonesia. Subianto recommended that Egypt adopts the Pencak silat, an Indonesian traditional fighting game, as an official sport. He urged Egypt to establish an Egyptian federation for this game.

Sisi and Subianto expressed aspiration for the convening of the two countries’ joint committee chaired by their foreign ministers in Cairo in 2025 to sign several memorandums of understanding and agreements for boosting their collaboration.