For the time being, the Indonesian Embassy at Kabul operates from IslamabadJakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia remains optimistic of peace and stability being restored in Afghanistan after its security situation deteriorated owing to Taliban seizing its capital Kabul on August 15, Foreign Minister Retno L. P. Marsudi stated.
Marsudi delivered the statement while welcoming several Indonesian citizens that arrived in Indonesia in the early hours of Saturday morning after being evacuated from Kabul City aboard an air force military aircraft.
"Indonesia continues to hope for an inclusive political process, which is Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, for the good of the Afghan people," she affirmed.
The minister also expressed optimism that women in Afghanistan would be respected for their rights.
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Marsudi highlighted Indonesia’s commitment to helping to create peace in Afghanistan, especially through cooperation for women's empowerment.
The minister earlier noted that the Indonesian government had managed to evacuate 26 Indonesian citizens from Afghanistan that is reeling from a security crisis after the transfer of power by the Taliban.
Marsudi remarked that Indonesia's foreign mission in Kabul was currently operated from Islamabad, given the dire situation in the Afghan capital.
"We planned to conduct the mission of the Indonesian Embassy in Kabul with a small team or a limited essential team. However, in the final moments of the evacuation process, the conditions changed. For the time being, the Indonesian Embassy at Kabul operates from Islamabad," she revealed.
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The minister stated that one chargé d'affaires and three home staff will conduct the foreign mission for Kabul from Islamabad.
"This small team will assess the Afghan situation every day and determine the next steps," she highlighted.
Earlier, the House of Representatives' (DPR RI's) Commission I member, Sukamta, believes that cordial relations between Indonesia and both warring sides in Afghanistan are a good start to initiate peace talks to rebuild the war-torn country.
Furthermore, Indonesia already played a strategic role in the past in brokering peace talks and defusing conflicts, Sukamta noted.
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Translator: Aria C, Kenzu T
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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