TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia and Slovenia agreed to collaborate to support Palestine in its struggle, which is currently facing genocidal attacks from Israel in the Gaza Strip. Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi and her counterpart Tanja Fajon discussed this matter at a bilateral meeting in Ljubljana, Slovenia, on Wednesday, June 26, 2024.

"In the bilateral meeting, we agreed to work together to seek peace and fight for Palestinian rights," said Retno in a press statement on Thursday, June 27, 2024.

Retno said her visit to Ljubljana is intended to express Indonesia's appreciation for Slovenia's decision to recognize the State of Palestine. On June 4, Slovenia became the 145th UN member state and the 10th European Union (EU) member state to recognize Palestine.

Slovenia's move to recognize Palestine follows three other EU countries, namely Spain, Ireland, and Norway, which announced their official recognition on May 28, 2024.

“ I very much appreciate Slovenia's firm stand in defending justice and humanity for Palestine. You have shown your leadership. You have decided to be on the right track of history," said Retno.

Just like Indonesia, the Slovenian government supports a two-state solution to achieve peace between Israel and Palestine. Slovenia also frequently calls for a ceasefire and notes the importance of an unhindered flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza. As a non-permanent member of the current UN Security Council, Slovenia supported a resolution proposing a three-phase ceasefire plan between Israel and Hamas on June 10.

Slovenia was one of 16 countries – including Indonesia – that launched a joint commitment initiative to the UN aid agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA) last month. Last February, the Slovenian government disbursed aid to UNRWA amounting to €500,000 (Rp8.7 billion).

This European country also spoke before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) last February regarding the legal consequences of Israel's policies and practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, along with 51 other countries including Indonesia.

The two ministers also discussed the situation in Afghanistan and Myanmar. Afghans are experiencing a humanitarian crisis and economic turmoil under the Taliban regime which limits women's movement and erodes freedom of expression. Meanwhile, after the 2021 coup, Myanmar has been devastated by clashes between the military junta and armed groups.

“As fellow female foreign ministers, we stand united in advancing Women, Peace, and Security agenda. We want to ensure women's full participation in the peace process by amplifying their voices and contributions.," said Retno.

NABIILA AZZAHRA

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