The summit is an example of Indonesia`s commitment to world peace."Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia will host the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit in Jakarta, from March 6 to 7, 2016.
Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung said on Wednesday that the summit will be attended by 56 heads of state and government, four observers, representatives of the United States, the United Nations, and the European Union.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno LP Marsudi remarked that the summit was expected to resolve the Palestinian issue and make a breakthrough for peace in the Middle East.
"The summit is an example of Indonesias commitment to world peace," the minister stated.
"President Joko Widodo sends a message of peace to the Middle East," the minister said.
The Indonesian government expected that the meeting would be able to address the Palestinian problem.
The March 6, 2016 meeting will be followed by ministerial and senior officials meetings. Meanwhile, heads of state and government will attend the summit on March 7, 2016.
State Secretary Minister Pratikno remarked that Indonesia would be conveying the message of peace during the summit.
"Indonesia is a country with the largest Muslim population in the world. It can promote a moderate and tolerant brand of Islam," The minister said.
The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has committed to allocate funds amounting to Rp2 billion (approximately US 163 thousand dollar) to support Palestinian capacity building in the police and tourism sectors.
MOFAs spokesperson Arrmanatha Nasir stated during a press briefing here on Wednesday that the funds were part of the Indonesian governments support. He said other ministries had also committed to providing assistance to Palestine to become an independent nation.
"Indonesia will not stop offering support to the Palestinians to achieve their independence," he remarked.
With regard to the United Nations Security Councils (UNSCs) resolution for Palestine that was not adopted, Indonesia expressed its deep regret over the failure, but said the struggle is not yet over, Nasir emphasized.
Nasir stated that the Indonesian government will continue to support Palestine in achieving independence through all multilateral and bilateral forums where Indonesia is a member, such as the Non-Aligned Movement, Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and Asia-Africa Conference (AAC).
"We are still holding discussions with the President (Joko Widodo) to include Palestinian issues in the commemorative summit of the 60th AAC," he noted.
The AACs 60th anniversary commemorative summit will be held in April 2016. Also, various events will be organized on the sidelines of the summit. The main event will be attended by leaders of various Asian and African countries.
(Uu.A063/KR-BSR/A014)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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