Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) stated that Palestine will be a top priority as long as Indonesia is still in its seat as a Non-Permanent Member of the UN Security Council.

"Indonesian diplomacy continues to work for Palestine," President Jokowi remarked in his annual state of the nation address before the People`s Consultative Assembly`s (MPR`s) annual session at the Parliament building here on Thursday, ahead of the celebration of Indonesia`s 73rd Independence Day on August 17.

On the occasion, the head of state noted that Indonesia continues to support the struggle of the Palestinian people to achieve independence and human rights.

"Indonesian diplomacy also continues to move to protect its citizens abroad, including through the Safe Travel and Smart Embassy mechanisms," Jokowi said.

On June 8, Indonesia was selected as a Non-Permanent member of the UN Security Council for the period 2019-2020. This trust must be honored, the president stressed.

In addition, the world has expressed strong appreciation for the track record of Indonesian diplomacy, especially its outstanding peace efforts and humanitarian initiatives, as the country continues to act as a bridge for various differences.

Indonesia has hosted the Trilateral Meeting of Indonesian-Afghan-Pakistani Ulema as its contribution to bringing peace to Afghanistan.

The country also hosted, for the first time, the High Level Consultation of the World Muslim Scholars to discuss the Islamic "Wasathiyyah" as the main axis of the Islamic world.

"We also organized the Indonesia-Africa Forum. Currently, Indonesia has exported defense equipment to Africa and our State-owned enterprises have begun collaborating on infrastructure development in Africa," President Jokowi stated.

In June 2018, another important achievement in the development of Indonesia`s reputation in the eyes of the world was inscribed when the European Commission lifted the flight ban on all airlines in Indonesia.

In the midst of an increasingly uncertain sociopolitical climate across the world, Indonesia has supported increasing Indo-Pacific cooperation.

Indonesia prioritizes the ASEAN`s centrality, as well as cooperation, dialogue, and respect for international law.

Reporting by Agus Salim
Editing by Otniel Tamindael

Reporter: Antara
Editor: Bustanuddin
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