Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), in a statement in a Joint Communiqué of the 56th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Jakarta, Friday, expressed concern over developments in the Middle East region.

The ASEAN also reiterated the need for a comprehensive, just, and sustainable solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

"We reiterated the need for a comprehensive, just, and sustainable solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in order to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East region," according to the statement from the ASEAN foreign ministers.

"ASEAN also urged both sides to actively take positive steps to allow for negotiations to gain traction and work together towards the resumption of negotiations to achieve an enduring peace," according to the statement.

ASEAN fully supports the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people for an independent State of Palestine with the realization of two states, Palestine and Israel, living side by side in peace and security based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi had stated that through the 56th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM), Indonesia is keen to reaffirm ASEAN's role as a contributor to peace and stability.

According to Marsudi, peace and stability, maintained for over five decades, have brought prosperity to the Southeast Asian region.

Related news: Conducive atmosphere vital in South China Sea CoC negotiations: ASEAN
Related news: ASEAN reaffirms respect for sovereignty of Ukraine
Related news: ASEAN lauds Indonesia's engagement with all parties in Myanmar


Translator: Asri Mayang Sari
Editor: Sri Haryati
Copyright © ANTARA 2023