At the forum attended by Vice President of Panama Isabel Saint Malo and women foreign ministers from the eight countries, Marsudi stressed the importance of creating conducive conditions for the process of repatriating Rohingya refugees.
Marsudi also expressed concern over the existence of a trust deficit between the community and stakeholders, according to a written statement of the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs received on Sunday.
In this context, Marsudi stated that the ASEAN had continued to strive to bridge and support the repatriation process, including by sending assessment teams to Myanmar.
Speaking in connection with the Palestine issue, Marsudi expressed concern over the worsening situation, especially the condition of refugees following the cessation of various aid programs from donor countries.
She reaffirmed Indonesia's full commitment to supporting Palestinian independence. Furthermore, Marsudi conveyed the results of her visit to Amman, Jordan, in early March, to provide capacity-building assistance to Palestinian women and humanitarian aid to Palestinian refugees.
On the sidelines of the WAW! forum, Marsudi also held a bilateral meeting with Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs Toshiko Abe.
During the meeting, the two ministers discussed efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation, including for sending Indonesian skilled workers to Japan. The two ministers also discussed cooperation in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the Indo-Pacific.
As the first female Indonesian foreign minister and representing the largest Muslim country, Indonesia is viewed as having complete credentials in advancing the role of women.
Indonesia's success is also apparent from President Joko Widodo's strong commitment by placing several women ministers with strategic portfolios in the Working Cabinet.
The 5th WAW! forum was organized by the Japanese government in collaboration with Women 20, a G-20 engagement group that voices the issues of women's empowerment, gender equality, and inclusive growth in the international economic sector.
The forum is part of Japan's commitment to mainstreaming gender issues and empowering women in various fields.
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EDITED BY INE
Translator: Yashinta Difa Pramudyani
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
