TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi has called for unwavering adherence to international law during the ASEAN-EU Foreign Ministers' meeting in Vientiane, Laos, on Friday, July 26, 2024. She emphasized the importance of peace, especially amid the ongoing massacre by Israel in Palestine.

“Respect for international law is fundamental for both ASEAN and the European Union, and it is imperative that this principle is applied consistently in Ukraine and Palestine, ” Retno stated as quoted from the press release.

Following her recent visit to Brussels, Retno highlighted positive developments in European support for the Palestinian cause. An increasing number of EU member states, including Sweden, Cyprus, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Romania, Bulgaria, Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia, have recognized Palestine and supported the United Nations aid agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA).

“We encourage other EU countries to follow suit,” Retno added.

In addition to the pressing issue of peace and security, the minister underscored the importance of a fair and equitable ASEAN-EU economic partnership. She emphasized the need for cooperation based on mutual benefit and inclusivity.

“Indonesia firmly opposes discriminatory policies and a 'one-size-fits-all' approach that hinders trade,” she declared.

To foster stronger ties and address shared challenges constructively, she called for open dialogue and collaboration between ASEAN and the EU. thus, Indonesia urged the EU to actively participate in the Joint Working Group on Vegetable Oil which will be held later this year.

The Joint Working Group on Vegetable Oil is one of the ASEAN-EU cooperation frameworks initiated by Indonesia in 2020 and is a platform for addressing palm oil and vegetable oil issues. This forum, which has been convened three times since its inception, aims to ensure fair market access for these essential commodities.

NABIILA AZZAHRA

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