Foreign Policy Outlook 2017: Focus on Borders, Counter-Terrorism, Palestine
Jakarta. Indonesia's diplomacy will continue to contribute to a peaceful and more prosperous world with shared benefits for all, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said Tuesday (10/01).
Speaking at her annual press address, Retno touched on the country's diplomatic outlook for the year ahead. She touched on strengthening contributions to Asean, optimizing support for a non-permanent member seat on the United Nations Security Council, settling maritime and land boundaries and prioritizing counter-terror efforts through the Jakarta Center for Law Enforcement Cooperation (JCLEC).
The country will focus on establishing lasting territorial boundaries with Timor Leste and Malaysia.
“[Indonesia is] intensifying development, trade and investment cooperation with potential markets, especially with countries in Africa and Latin America,” Retno said.
Indonesia will host the Indian Ocean Rim Association Summit as well as regional consultation of the Non-Proliferation Treaty Prepcom in March.
The minister also reflected on regional uncertainties, conflicts and threats, while reassuring that Indonesian diplomacy has worked to advance the national interest and contribute to peace and stability.
Retno encouraged increased international cooperation in order to improve stability, peace and welfare of the world.
“None of us can afford to have an unstable and non-peaceful world,” Retno said.
She also confirmed Indonesia's unwavering position on South China Sea, with the country's maritime borders overlapping only with Malaysia and Vietnam.
“A Continental Shelf delimitation with the two countries has been concluded, while exclusive economic zone is currently being negotiated,” Retno said.
She added that Indonesia believes resolving boundaries with neighboring states will prove that “overlapping claims can be resolved peacefully.”
Retno also emphasized on Indonesia’s push for the early conclusion of the Code of Conduct between Asean and China to ensure peace and stability in the South China Sea.
She also tipped Palestine as a major diplomatic focus, with a target of achieving the 4000 Peacekeepers Vision by 2019, committing to Palestinian Independence, reinforcing the Bali Democracy Forum on its tenth anniversary and protecting Indonesian nationals around the world.
“This year’s agenda will be dynamic and will rise to the challenges ahead,” Retno said in her statement’s conclusion.
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