We discussed various economic cooperation projects. We will agree upon as the concrete result of our visit
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi held nine bilateral talks with her foreign counterparts on the sidelines of the 43rd Session of the UNHRC in Geneva, Switzerland, Feb 24, to discuss economic cooperation, among others.

The foreign counterparts included those from the Netherlands, Sweden, Palestine, Denmark, Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, and Norway, the Foreign Ministry noted in a written statement released on Tuesday.

Furthermore, Marsudi met with the World Health Organization (WHO) director general and the UNHRC high commissioner.

During the meetings, Marsudi and her foreign counterparts discussed three key issues; firstly, enhancing economic cooperation; second, Palestinian issue; and third, empowering women.

She highlighted the importance of focusing on economic cooperation in the midst of the global economic slowdown on account of various issues, including the coronavirus outbreak.

"We continue to open market access for Indonesian farm and plantation products to non-traditional potential markets," she stated.

At the meeting with her Dutch counterpart, both sides discussed the Dutch King's plan to visit Indonesia in March 2020. The Dutch King is expected to bring along several businessmen.

"We discussed various economic cooperation projects. We will agree upon as the concrete result of our visit," she stated.

During the meetings, the second issue under discussion pertained to the significance of global support for Palestine's struggle following the announcement of the US-initiated peace plan. I had a good meeting with FM Riyad Maliki of Palestine at Palais Des Nations, Geneva (24/02). Palestine appreciates Indonesia's continuous support toward the plight of Palestine #HRC43 pic.twitter.com/urSIZIYxLO

— Menteri Luar Negeri Republik Indonesia (@Menlu_RI) February 24, 2020


She reiterated the importance of all nations supporting international parameters agreed upon to solve the Palestine-Israel conflict.

The third issue concerns women’s empowerment to encourage peace and tolerance.

She specifically discussed Indonesia's efforts to support the empowerment of women in peace not only at the regional and national levels but also at the international levels.

"I unveiled a plan to open Southeast Asia Network of Woman Peace Negotiations and Mediators and Indonesia-Afghanistan Women Networks to be launched in June and March 2020 respectively,” she stated.

The minister also met with UNHRC Chief Commissioner Michelle Bachelet, who congratulated Indonesia on its membership of key forums at the same time: the UNHRC and UNSC.

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Translator: Yashinta Difa Pramudyani/Suhar
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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