"Peace does not fall from the sky. Peace must be sought and cared for. Meanwhile, differences are natural. Hence, the denial of differences is a denial of nature," Foreign Minister Marsudi stated here, Wednesday (Dec 19), while addressing some one thousand students at a talk show held at the Padjajaran University, Bandung, West Java.
Foreign Minister Marsudi highlighted several efforts made by Indonesia to safeguard world peace.
The minister stressed that for Indonesia, peace and humanitarian diplomacy were two priorities of Indonesia`s international diplomacy in the midst of increasing global uncertainty.
For instance, to assist conflict-stricken Afghanistan, the Indonesian government initiated a trilateral ulema meeting of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Indonesia aimed at inviting scholars from the three nations to exchange views on peace.
In addition, the Indonesian government consistently supports the struggle of Palestinians to achieve independence. In October 2018, the Palestine Walk was inaugurated and marked Indonesia`s solidarity for the Palestinian cause.
Furthermore, the Indonesian government is committed to increasing its contributions in the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in handling various problems related to Palestinian refugees.
Foreign Minister Marsudi affirmed that in diplomacy, Indonesia always prioritizes conflict prevention.
"Indonesia is very diverse. It means difference is an absolute. However, we make pluralism as a national asset. Diversity should be treated with tolerance and mutual respect. That way, Indonesia will be viewed as a strong country and will become a role model for other countries," Foreign Minister Marsudi emphasized.
She added that the world had taken notice of the sound track record of Indonesian diplomacy and lauded it. As a result, Indonesia was elected as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2019-2020 period.
Reporting by Yuni Arisandy, Libertina
Editing by Bustanuddin
Reporter: Antara
Editor: Andi Abdussalam
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
